Advocate Urges Stronger Action to End Child Marriage in Nigeria

Ms Joyce Haruna, an advocate against sexual and gender-based violence, has called for stronger measures to end child marriage and protect the rights and future of the girl child.

 

Haruna made the call in Lokoja on Tuesday in a message marking the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, observed under the theme "End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls' Rights."

 

She said every girl deserves access to quality education, healthcare, protection from abuse and the opportunity to reach her full potential.

 

According to her, child marriage violates the rights and dignity of girls, robs them of education and exposes them to avoidable risks.

 

Haruna urged parents and guardians to put their daughters' education and well-being first, rather than forcing them into early marriage because of poverty, social pressure or harmful cultural practices.

 

She also called on community and religious leaders to speak out against practices that violate girls' rights, and to support initiatives that give girls safe environments in which to grow and develop.

 

The advocate urged governments to strengthen the enforcement of child protection laws, increase investment in girls' education, support vulnerable families and set up effective channels for reporting abuse.

 

She stressed the need to hold to account those who violate children's rights, saying efforts to protect the girl child must go beyond public statements and annual commemorations.

 

Haruna called for concrete policies, adequate funding and measurable action to tackle the challenges girls face.

 

She also highlighted the role of communities in fighting child marriage, urging residents to report suspected cases of abuse to the appropriate authorities and to support organisations working to protect vulnerable children.

 

According to her, no girl should be forced into marriage at the cost of her education, safety and future, and every child deserves the chance to grow, learn and make informed decisions about her life.

 

Haruna urged stakeholders to move beyond awareness campaigns and take practical steps to safeguard girls' rights and widen their opportunities.

 

She said investing in girls' rights was key to building safer communities, stronger families and a fairer society.

 

The advocate called on Nigerians to unite in protecting the childhood, dignity and future of every girl.