Vox Pop: At what age is a girl old enough for marriage?

Chris Alagboso asked a cross-section of HealthNewsNG.com's readers about the age they believe a girl is old enough to handle the health demands of marriage. The responses are quite vast and show the divisive nature of the subject of underage marriage in Nigeria and beyond.

Nkem - Giving out a child at such a tender age is an abuse because the child doesn't know anything then. Based on science, puberty starts from the early age of 11, 12...then talking about sex, it is advised that it should be done from the age of 20. Early sex causes cancer of the cervix which starts at the age of 50-55. Nigerian constitution has made it 18 and above, but that is even not ok. From 20 is very ok. At 20 we have a full blown lady mature in everything.

Shayour - 22 is the ideal age. Because at that age, a woman or any child ought to have finished some sort of higher education or rounding off, they have an exposure to independent living and some degree of survival instincts.  Also at that age, medically it is the best time to start having babies. 22 is an adult too and old enough to know what she wants, who she wants and that age, she must have dated and can handle a degree of emotional stress, disappointment, and challenges that comes with a relationship because they have some degree of experience.

Amanda - It is true that they say "age is not maturity" but I tell you that age has a lot to do with maturity. The girl child ought to be fully empowered and equipped to face the institution called marriage (which ought to be by choice and not by force). And as you and I know; stages are very important in life. Pushing a child from childhood straight into adulthood without allowing the child experience the in-between stages can be fatal as we have seen and heard in previous experiences. Marriage should commence when the female in question understands the concept of marriage and is ready to face whatever consequence that may arise from decision and choice of marriage and marriage partner.

Uchechi - A girl child is ready for marriage when she becomes an adult, which is from 18 and above. Especially when she feels psychologically that she is ready to have a family. Sex is an individual thing. But I feel the ideal age is when you are an adult so u can be able to make good judgements either to abstain or indulge in protected or unprotected sex and be ready to live with the choices. I feel training up your child in the way of the Lord so that when she is of age, she wouldn’t depart from it, still works. Tell them the good and bad, and then encourage them to choose well.

Ify - I will say whenever she is mentally and physically ready...This could be from age 21 and above for marriage and from 16 for relationship.

Blessing - It depends, must not necessarily depend on age. Most guys don't need women who are in school due to bad economy.  Some that are financially stable need a woman that will take care of their kids. So age doesn't matter if there is love and understanding.

Cherry - Age doesn't matter if there is love and understanding.

Ifesinachi - I agree with d conventional age of 18. Medically, i think there are some negative health implications attached to premature sex and marital experiences especially the mental psychological & emotional aspect which i think they're too tender to absorb. 18 and above is more mature.

Chinedu - For me there is no specific age because a girl of 18 might be psychologically ready more than a girl of 22 or more. But above all she must be above 18.

Carlos - I would say 22 because eighteen is physically mature, 20 is psychologically mature and 22 is emotionally mature.

Baron - 25 and above is okay because it’s better experienced than explained. That age is good and mature enough to handle all that has to do with sex, marriage, etc. because of d emotions that follow suit.

Charles - 22 to 23. Though age is not a sign of maturity at times, but i think that within that age range, one should be able to face challenges and handle responsibilities better.

Oge – from 23 years is okay to develop some amount of psychological maturity for marital responsibility and ability to absorb any treatment that may result from in-law or husband.

Jesse - Sex for me is a physical/biological thing. By 18 a girl is ready is sex, marriage on the other hand cannot be pegged at a particular age. People mature mentally at different ages. Inasmuch I have said this, 25 from my perspective is an ideal age for marriage for an African female.

Danney - It depends on the physiology, psychology, exposure of the said lady...it’s very relative my brother. But i will say 24 years.

Mary - In terms of sex at that age she would have been prepared and exposed not always to please her hubby but also herself. Marriage is a big issue for the mind of a small girl. At 24, she would be matured and have some level of responsibility. Taking care of the home and coupled with kids when they start coming. For me my girl can marry once she is 24.

Paul - It depends on one’s mind orientation. After all at age of 9 and above some young girls would want to experiment on sex by self or by the opposite sex. By the age of 18 and in line with internationally adopted age a girl is deemed fit to for marriage. But for the responsibilities that come with it, it requires maturity of not the body alone now but of the mind and thought. I have seen 19 year old mothers and I've studied them to see that they are good at motherhood. I have seen 22 year old mothers as well but with greater maturity. So 18 and above is good.

Krystal - Marriage 1st of all is for mature adults who are physically, emotional, psychologically and financially ready. So maturity is the key. A particular age might not generally be prescribed because it depends on individuals. But I'll prefer adults who are graduates. Lady at 23years and the guy 25years minimum. Sex is within the confines of marriage. So the consequences can be embraced by the two adults who are financially okay to train the kid and the lady physically strong to carry a baby.