GBV Advocate Urges Action Against Child Marriage, Calls for Protection of Girls

An advocate for sexual and gender-based violence, Joyce Ajifa Haruna, has called on governments, parents, community and religious leaders to intensify efforts to end child marriage and protect the rights of the girl child.

Haruna made the call in a message to mark the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, celebrated under the theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights.”

She stressed that every girl deserves access to quality education, healthcare, protection from abuse and opportunities to develop her potential, warning that child marriage undermines their rights, dignity and future prospects.

The advocate urged parents and guardians to prioritise the education and well-being of their daughters rather than give in to early marriage due to poverty, societal pressure or harmful cultural practices.

She also called on community and religious leaders to challenge practices that violate girls’ rights and support initiatives that provide safe environments for their growth and development.

Haruna urged governments to strengthen the enforcement of child protection laws, invest in girls’ education, support vulnerable families and establish effective mechanisms for reporting abuse, while ensuring accountability for violations of children’s rights.

She noted that protecting the girl child must go beyond public statements and annual commemorations to include practical policies, adequate funding and measurable actions capable of delivering lasting results.

According to her, communities also have a responsibility to speak out against child marriage, report suspected cases of abuse to the appropriate authorities and support organisations working to protect vulnerable children.

Haruna maintained that no girl should be forced into marriage at the expense of her education, safety and future, stressing that every child deserves the opportunity to grow, learn and make informed decisions about her life.

She called on stakeholders to move beyond awareness campaigns and implement concrete measures to protect girls from abuse, expand their opportunities and guarantee their fundamental rights.

The advocate added that investing in the rights of girls would contribute to safer communities, stronger families and a more equitable society.

She urged Nigerians to unite in protecting the childhood, dignity and future of every girl.