Money Women - Art Photographer

Under age child marriage and betrothal is a troubling tradition that is still prevalent in many parts of Nigeria.

In Nigeria, child marriage is a complicated problem with ingrained cultural, economic and social roots. In this traditional practice, which is known as money marriage, minors become money brides. The practice permits young girls to be married off for as little as $10 dowry, or occasionally a decent dowry, or a year’s worth of farming permits, or loan payment. Usually, the girls are coerced into marriage with considerable older males, and these agreements are established without their consent.

Despite legal prohibitions and societal condemnations, this harmful tradition continues to thrive, casting a shadow over the lives of countless young girls. Part of the report, which was released in 2023 by the Nigerian Minister of Women Affairs, states: "With a population exceeding 218 million, Nigeria is home to 23 million child brides, with two out of every five women marrying as minors."

The girls I documented were Forced into adulthood before their time, and their futures were threatened by early betrothals orchestrated by their own parents and guardians. With the subjects' consent, this project explores their journey as they navigate the delicate balance between education and tradition, determined to reclaim their right to a childhood

For these children, the promise of a better future through education is cruelly snatched away, replaced instead by the burden of marital responsibilities and the potential for early childbirth. A system where girls are viewed as property to be traded rather than individuals with rights and aspirations of their own.

The consequences are profound and far-reaching, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality, violation of their fundamental human rights, including the right to freedom of choice and self-determination.

Uduak was Betrothed to a young man without her consent. When she objected to marrying him, her parents reminded her that part of her school fees was paid by him, and refunding it was out of the question. In her desperation, she complained to the local church pastor who raised an offering to refund. Now she is free to continue school, but her parents feel embarrassed.

A memorial on a local school wall, honors the memory of Believe, nicknamed G.T.A Gangster for her passion for playing villains in school playlet. Believe abandoned school and her community to escaped forced marriage. Her story is a reminder of the young girls in her community who were forced into marriage against their will. Believe's name on the wall is, a reminder of the struggles she faced and the dreams she had to put on hold.

Anaya was 15 when a man proposed to her family to marry her. Part of her dowry was paid as commitment which her parents used to pay for their farm land. Thanks to the kindness of an Imam, who has become like a father to her, the debt that once threatened her future has been repaid. With a newfound sense of freedom, she's thriving in secondary school. She vows to marry only for love, on her own terms, and no one else's

Nne's life was planned out at 16: marry a seer's son, as prophesied. But her grandmother, a victim of forced marriage herself, refused to let Nne suffer the same fate. She intervened, took Nne in, and gave her a chance at a different future - enrolling her in school and even buying her a desk to call her own.

Divine was forced into marriage by her family to fulfil a vow they made when she was a baby. She didn't see anything wrong with the arrangement until she was mocked and called a "money Woman" by her age group. A local activist took up her case, the marriage was nullified. She is enrolled in a school.

Alena, 15, played football in a local team and dreamed to become a pro footballer, but her father who believed football is not for girls had other plans. Forced into marriage to produce a male heir, she suffered abuse, a broken arm and hospitalization. Now back at her father's house, she's getting a second chance at her dreams, enrolled in school and plans to become a football coach and mentor for young girls.

Bisi was 13 when her parents married her off to a 40 years old polygamist. Everyone saw her only as a bride not a child. She ran away to her sister's house the night he tried to sleep with her. "I would rather die than agree to a forced marriage again" she muttered. She is determined to continue her education in the city and to rewrite her future.

Lora surrounds herself with books, seeking refuge from the trauma of a forced betrothal to a man she barely knew. But fate intervened, and the proposed suitor passed away a few weeks before their arranged marriage. Her superstitious family saw the death of the suitor as a bad omen and decided to allow her make her choice.

This decaying picture of Okolie is all her friend Blessing has left to remember her by. Okolie's life was tragically cut short when she was forced into marriage during her senior secondary school years. Okolie's promising future was cut short in a tragic loss, claiming both her life and that of her innocent child during childbirth.

Ty still remember the shame and horror she felt the day she was forced to marriage a man she didn't love, the marriage her father had forced on her in the presence of the community that had accepted with silence. It was a relieve when her husband divorced her after two years without a child. She returned to school despite the stigma she faces in the community.

Balarabe was 7 years old when her parents land creditor converted money owed as dowry for Balerabe. Later her parents rejected the agreement. The farm land owner made several attempts to abduct her. A philanthropy intervened, paid Balerabe's father's debt and gave her scholarship.

Kiki, as a reminder keeps the traditional marriage head gear her mother had intended to use on her wedding day, a day that would have bound her to a man 17 years her senior. Fate intervened when the man died before the marriage and the man's passing was seen by her family as a bad omen, allowing Kiki to break free from the arranged marriage.

Tola recounts that early and forced marriage was a very common practice in her village. If a girl was not married before 18 years old, everyone in the community would think she or her family had a problem. But Tola's elder sister's tragic fate - death in a forced polygamous marriage, a victim of domestic abuse - was the wake-up call Tola needed. She courageously resisted a similar fate. She is enrolled in a local lesson.

Emeke Obanor