Health
IDG: End Child Marriage Now – NGO Cries Out
By Philip Yatai
The Helpline Social Support Initiative (HSSI) has issued an urgent call to action, demanding an end to child marriage and urging stronger protection for girls’ fundamental rights.
HSSI President, Dr Jumai Ahmadu, made the call in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday to mark the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child.
Speaking on the 2026 theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights!”, Ahmadu stressed that meaningful investment goes beyond protection — it requires empowering girls through quality education, self-confidence and leadership platforms.
She highlighted initiatives like the Voice of the Girls Parliament, which provides a platform for young girls to speak out and assert their rights.
“Every girl deserves to grow up knowing that her voice matters, her safety matters and her dreams are valid.
“Through the Voice of the Girls Parliament, we encourage girls to understand their rights, speak with confidence and engage respectfully with those responsible for their welfare,” she said.
The president stressed that advocating respectfully does not mean staying silent when faced with abuse or injustice.
According to her, girls should be able to raise concerns, seek help and report threats without fear, intimidation or blame.
“The responsibility for protecting them rests with adults and institutions and it must never be placed on girls alone,” she noted.
Highlighting the devastating impact of early marriage on a girl’s health, education and long-term prospects, Ahmadu outlined five priority demands for governments, traditional and religious leaders, parents, educators and civil society partners.
She called on the government and stakeholders to strengthen legal frameworks to prevent early marriage, abuse and exploitation.
She also called for guaranteed accessible, safe and inclusive schooling, with tailored support for at-risk girls.
The president also called for the establishment of reporting channels through the creation of safe and confidential mechanisms for girls to report abuse and receive immediate assistance.
“Stakeholders must also invest in girl-led platforms, mentorship programmes and skills development.
“We must also actively listen to young girls and include their opinions in policy and programme creation,” she said.
Ahmadu further urged stakeholders to back up their promises with meaningful, measurable progress.
“As we celebrate girls today, we must match our words with action. Let us listen when they speak, protect them when they seek help and create opportunities for them to thrive.
“Their rights are an entitlement, and safeguarding those rights is our shared responsibility,” she said. (NAN)
Edited by Muhammad Lawal
