Helpline Social Support Initiative, HSSI, is calling for stronger protection of girls against child marriage, abuse and exploitation, as it urged governments, families and institutions to turn commitments to girls’ rights into concrete action.
The nonprofit organisation said girls must not only be protected but also empowered to speak up, report abuse without fear and participate in decisions affecting their lives.
HSSI President, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, made the call in a statement released on Sunday to mark the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, themed “End child marriage and invest in girls’ rights!”
Ahmadu identified education, confidence and leadership opportunities as critical to ensuring that girls understand their rights and can demand accountability from those responsible for their welfare.
She pointed to the Voice of the Girls Parliament as one platform helping girls express their concerns, build confidence and engage respectfully with authority figures.
“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,” she said.
However, Ahmadu warned that promoting respectful engagement must not discourage girls from speaking out against 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.
The organisation warned that child marriage could undermine girls’ education, endanger their health and limit their future opportunities, making stronger safeguards and coordinated action essential.
It called on governments, traditional and religious leaders, parents, schools and civil society organisations to strengthen measures against child marriage, exploitation and abuse.
HSSI also urged stakeholders to expand access to safe, inclusive education, particularly for girls at risk of dropping out, and establish accessible reporting channels that allow victims to seek help and receive timely support.
The organisation further called for greater investment in mentorship, girl-led initiatives and leadership programmes, stressing the need to incorporate girls’ perspectives into policies and programmes affecting them.
Reiterating HSSI’s commitment to advancing girls’ rights, Ahmadu challenged stakeholders to move beyond public declarations and demonstrate their support through practical measures.
“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.
“Their rights are an entitlement, and safeguarding those rights is our shared responsibility,” she said.
