The author of In the Shadow of the Neem Tree, Barrister Mariam Marwa-Abdu, has called for greater commitment to protecting the rights of the girl child through education, advocacy and storytelling, saying every girl deserves the opportunity to dream beyond her circumstances.
Speaking during the launch of her novel in Kaduna, Mariam said the book was written to amplify the voices of girls whose aspirations are often cut short by child marriage and harmful traditional practices. She urged government, civil society organisations, educational institutions and community leaders to use literature as a tool for dialogue, advocacy and social transformation.
The author noted that In the Shadow of the Neem Tree highlights the realities faced by many young girls while encouraging collective efforts to create an environment where every child can access education and realise their full potential.
Her father, retired General Mohammed Buba Marwa, described the occasion as a proud moment for the family, expressing confidence in his daughter's ability to inspire positive social change through her writing. He praised her determination, intellect and commitment to addressing critical societal issues through literature.
General Marwa said Mariam had displayed exceptional brilliance from childhood, noting that she inherited qualities of diligence, intelligence and discipline. He recalled watching her academic growth from her early school years and expressed delight that she had channelled those qualities into producing a book that addresses one of society's pressing challenges.
The book launch attracted government officials, traditional leaders, members of the legal profession, development partners, literary enthusiasts and other dignitaries who commended the author for using fiction to advocate for the protection and empowerment of the girl child.