The Helpline Social Support Initiative (HSSI) has urged governments, traditional and religious leaders, parents, and stakeholders to intensify efforts to end child marriage and protect girls from abuse. On the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, the organization emphasized that collective action is necessary to eliminate harmful practices and create an environment where girls can fulfill their potential.
HSSI highlighted the importance of investment in girls, which must go beyond public declarations to practical measures that safeguard their welfare and empower them to speak up against abuse and injustice. The organization's president, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, stressed that every girl deserves to grow up knowing her voice matters, her safety matters, and her dreams are valid.
The Voice of the Girls Parliament, a platform established by HSSI, aims to equip young girls with the confidence and knowledge to understand their rights and express their concerns. Ahmadu explained that the platform encourages girls to communicate confidently and engage respectfully with individuals and institutions responsible for their welfare.
However, Ahmadu warned that encouraging respectful advocacy should not be interpreted as asking girls to remain silent when confronted with abuse, exploitation, or injustice. Girls must be able to raise concerns, seek assistance, and report threats without fear of intimidation, discrimination, or blame.
Child marriage can undermine girls' educational attainment, expose them to serious health risks, and limit their opportunities for economic independence and participation in society. HSSI called for stronger enforcement of laws against child marriage, exploitation, and abuse, alongside improved access to safe and inclusive education for girls.
The organization also advocated for increased investment in girl-led initiatives, mentorship programs, and leadership platforms that enable young people to participate in decisions affecting their lives. Ahmadu reaffirmed HSSI's commitment to protecting the girl child and called on stakeholders to translate their promises into concrete action.
Ending child marriage and protecting girls from abuse require sustained collaboration among government institutions, families, communities, and civil society organizations. Ahmadu emphasized that safeguarding girls' rights is a shared responsibility, and stakeholders must match their words with action to create opportunities for girls to thrive.
Key points
- Protecting girls' rights requires collective action to eliminate harmful practices.
- Investment in girls must go beyond public declarations to practical measures.
- Ending child marriage requires sustained collaboration among stakeholders.
