Shock and concern are mounting in The Gambia’s Central River Region as reports emerge that child marriage is becoming frighteningly common.
Muhammed Baldeh, a young man from the region, has told What’s On Gambia that girls as young as 13 are being married off, calling the trend “heartbreaking” and dangerous.
“Girls aged 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 are being married like it’s normal,” he revealed. “It’s painful to watch, especially when you know how badly this destroys their future, their health, and their education.”
Baldeh is now calling on the media, government, and authorities to step in before it’s too late.
“As a concerned citizen, I believe this issue needs urgent attention,” he said. “We need to talk about it openly so action can be taken to protect these young girls.
Despite child marriage being illegal in The Gambia, weak enforcement has allowed the practice to continue unchecked, leaving many young girls vulnerable and voiceless.