By Stanley Onyekwere
As the world marks the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, the Helpline Social Support Initiative (HSSI) has called for decisive, collective action to eradicate child marriage, safeguard girls, and amplify their voices in society.
Speaking on this year’s theme, “End child marriage and invest in girls’ rights!”, the Abuja-based organization emphasized that true investment in girls requires protecting their welfare while empowering them with the education, confidence, and leadership platforms needed to advocate for themselves.
In a statement released on Sunday, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, President of HSSI, highlighted the critical role of platforms such as the Voice of the Girls Parliament in equipping young girls to express their concerns and respectfully 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,” Dr. Ahmadu said.
She noted that while respectful advocacy is encouraged, it should never be mistaken for remaining silent in the face of abuse or injustice.
“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; it must never be placed on girls alone,” she added.
Warning against the harmful impacts of early marriage on education, health, and future opportunities, HSSI outlined key measures needed to safeguard the rights of the girl child.
The organization urged governments, traditional and religious leaders, parents, schools, and civil society partners to:
Strengthen laws and measures to prevent child marriage, exploitation, and abuse, expand access to safe, inclusive education and support girls at risk of dropping out, establish safe, accessible channels for girls to report abuses and receive timely aid, invest in girl-led platforms, mentorship, and leadership initiatives, and actively listen to girls and incorporate their perspectives into policy and program design.
Reaffirming HSSI’s commitment to advancing the rights and welfare of girls, Dr. Ahmadu called on stakeholders to match statements of support with concrete steps.
“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.
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