By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Helpline Social Support Initiative (HSSI) has called for stronger measures to protect the girl child from early marriage, abuse and other harmful practices, urging stakeholders to uphold girls’ rights and create opportunities for them to thrive.
The Non Governmental Organisation ( NGO) made the call as the world marks the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, with the theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights!”
In a statement released on Sunday, the President of HSSI, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, stressed that protecting girls requires collective action to end child marriage, safeguard their welfare and empower them to speak out against abuse and injustice.
Ahmadu highlighted the importance of initiatives such as the Voice of the Girls Parliament in equipping young girls with the knowledge, confidence and platforms to express their concerns and advocate for 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.
She, however, cautioned that promoting respectful engagement should not prevent girls from speaking out against abuse, intimidation or other forms of injustice.
According to her, girls must be able to raise concerns, seek assistance and report threats without fear, intimidation or blame.
“The responsibility for protecting them rests with adults and institutions; it must never be placed on girls alone,” Ahmadu added.
Warning about the damaging consequences of early marriage on girls’ education, health and future opportunities, HSSI called on governments, traditional and religious leaders, parents, schools and civil society organisations to intensify efforts to protect the girl child.
The organisation urged relevant stakeholders to strengthen laws and enforcement measures against child marriage, exploitation and abuse.
It also called for expanded access to safe and inclusive education,
particularly for girls vulnerable to dropping out of school, as well as the establishment of accessible reporting channels through which victims and at-risk girls can seek timely assistance.
HSSI further advocated increased investment in girl-child initiatives, mentorship programmes and leadership platforms to enable girls to participate meaningfully in decisions affecting their lives.
The organisation also urged policymakers and programme designers to listen to girls’ concerns and incorporate their perspectives into policies and interventions aimed at advancing their welfare.
Reaffirming HSSI’s commitment to promoting the rights and wellbeing of girls, Ahmadu urged stakeholders to translate their support into practical action.
“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 added.
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