By Admin
The New Initiative for Social Development (NISD) has called for stronger protection of the girl child, increased investment in girls’ education and collective action against child marriage and gender-based violence in Nigeria.
The organisation made the call during activities marking the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child at Akure Muslim College, Oke-Aro, Akure, Ondo State, on Friday, October 30.
The event, organised through NISD’s Male Feminist Network (MFN) Project, with support from Centre LSD and funding from the Ford Foundation, under the theme “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights.”
The programme brought together female students, school authorities and members of the surrounding community to sensitise young girls to their rights, the dangers of early marriage and the importance of remaining in school to achieve their educational and personal aspirations.
During an interactive sensitisation session, facilitators, Mrs. Oyindamola Akinyoyenu and Mr. Ojo Olusegun, educated students on different forms of gender-based violence, preventive measures and appropriate channels for reporting cases of abuse.
They urged the girls to speak out against violence, seek help from trusted adults and report incidents to relevant authorities.
The facilitators also emphasised the importance of empowering girls with the knowledge and confidence to recognise abuse, protect themselves and demand their rights.
They encouraged the students to reject harmful practices that limit their opportunities and undermine their future.
NISD further called on parents, school authorities, community leaders and development partners to strengthen efforts towards creating a safe and supportive environment where girls can access quality education without discrimination, intimidation or the threat of early marriage.
It stressed that addressing child marriage requires challenging harmful cultural and social practices that expose young girls to abuse and deny them educational opportunities.
A major highlight of the programme was an awareness march during which students displayed the International Day of the Girl Child banner to reinforce the campaign against child marriage and promote public awareness of girls’ rights.
The march also encouraged participants to become advocates for gender equality and help challenge negative attitudes towards girls within their communities.
The organisation stressed that protecting the girl child requires sustained collaboration among government, educational institutions, parents, civil society organisations and community stakeholders.
It noted that investing in girls’ education, providing adequate protection and ensuring access to support services would help them develop their potential and contribute meaningfully to national development.
NISD reaffirmed its commitment, through the Male Feminist Network, to ending child marriage, preventing gender-based violence, challenging harmful social norms and advancing the rights, education and empowerment of girls across communities.