HSSI Calls for Action to End Child Marriage and Protect Girls

By Atlantic Reports

The Helpline Social Support Initiative (HSSI) has called for stronger measures to prevent child marriage and protect girls from abuse, stressing that responsibility for their safety rests with adults and institutions.

HSSI President, Dr Jumai Ahmadu, made the appeal in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday to mark the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child.

Speaking on the theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights!”, Ahmadu said investment in girls must include quality education, opportunities to build confidence and platforms through which they can influence decisions affecting their lives.

She highlighted the Voice of the Girls Parliament as an initiative that encourages girls to understand their rights, express concerns and engage with those responsible for their welfare.

“Every girl deserves to grow up knowing that her voice matters, her safety matters and her dreams are valid,” she said.

“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.”

Safe Reporting Without Fear

Ahmadu said respectful advocacy should never require girls to remain silent about abuse or injustice.

Girls must be able to raise concerns, seek help and report threats without intimidation or blame, she said.

“The responsibility for protecting them rests with adults and institutions and it must never be placed on girls alone,” she added.

She called for safe, confidential reporting mechanisms that connect girls facing abuse with immediate assistance.

Five Priorities for Protection

Ahmadu outlined five priorities for governments, traditional and religious leaders, parents, educators and civil society organisations.

These include stronger legal frameworks against child marriage, abuse and exploitation; accessible, safe and inclusive schooling; confidential reporting channels; investment in mentorship, skills development and platforms led by girls; and meaningful inclusion of girls’ views in policies and programmes.

She said girls at risk required tailored educational support, while efforts to protect them should also address their ability to participate and lead.

“Stakeholders must also invest in girl-led platforms, mentorship programmes and skills development,” she said.

“We must also actively listen to young girls and include their opinions in policy and programme creation.”

Turning Commitments Into Results

Ahmadu urged stakeholders to demonstrate measurable progress rather than rely on public pledges.

“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,” she said.

“Their rights are an entitlement, and safeguarding those rights is our shared responsibility.”

Her appeal places girls’ participation alongside institutional accountability, calling for protection systems that respond when girls report danger and opportunities that allow them to continue learning and pursue their ambitions.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.