Niger: Enlisting Men in the Fight Against Fistula

Cultural norms dictate that girls should get married early in Niger: according to various surveys, the average age for marriage amongst females in Niger is 13. As a result, many find themselves giving birth before they have properly left childhood behind themselves. But when children give birth to children, complications ensue - not least those created by obstetric fistulas. But, what of the men who allow this condition to persist by marrying girls who are too young? If prevention is better than cure, are efforts underway to alter their perceptions about the age at which is it acceptable for girls to be married?