The African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), Nigeria, Kogi State Branch, has called on government at all levels, parents, traditional and religious leaders, educational institutions, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to intensify efforts towards ending child marriage and safeguarding the rights, dignity and future of every girl child.
Speaking on the occasion of the *International Day of the Girl Child 2026*, the State Coordinator of AWLA Nigeria, Kogi State Branch, *Joy Oluwaseun Akinola, Esq.*, stressed that the girl child must be recognised not as a burden to be transferred into marriage, but as a human being with inherent rights, unlimited potential and the capacity to contribute meaningfully to society when given the opportunity to thrive.
This year’s advocacy message, *“End Child Marriage; Invest in Girls’ Rights,”* is a powerful reminder that the future of our communities depends significantly on the choices we make today about the protection, education, empowerment and development of our girls.
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“A girl child is not a bride-in-waiting. She is a future professional, a leader, an innovator, a change-maker and a woman whose dreams deserve the opportunity to become reality. Her childhood should not be stolen by child marriage, her education should not be interrupted by harmful traditions, and her voice should never be silenced by the circumstances of her birth, gender or background”, Akinola stated.
*Child Marriage Is a Violation of Rights, Not a Cultural Entitlement*
AWLA Nigeria Kogi State Branch expresses deep concern over the continuing risks faced by girls who are forced or pressured into early marriage. Child marriage can deprive girls of education, expose them to early pregnancy and associated health risks, increase their vulnerability to gender-based violence, and limit their economic independence and participation in decision-making.
While recognising the importance of culture and community values, AWLA Nigeria Kogi State Branch emphasises that no cultural practice should be used to justify the abuse of a child or the denial of her fundamental rights. Protecting girls is a shared responsibility, and meaningful progress requires the courage to challenge harmful practices while promoting positive cultural values that uphold dignity, safety and human development.
*A girl’s future must never be sacrificed to poverty, social pressure, insecurity or harmful traditional expectations.*
*The Law Must Protect Every Girl*
As an association of women lawyers committed to justice, equality and the protection of vulnerable persons, AWLA Nigeria Kogi State Branch calls for stronger implementation of existing child-protection laws, improved access to justice, effective reporting and response mechanisms, and accountability for those who violate children’s rights.
The Association urges relevant government institutions and stakeholders in Kogi State to strengthen collaboration in preventing child marriage, sexual abuse, child trafficking, harmful practices and other forms of gender-based violence against girls.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to prioritise the education, wellbeing and informed development of their daughters, while traditional and religious institutions are urged to use their influence to discourage child marriage and champion the protection of children.
Schools must also remain safe and inclusive spaces where girls can learn, build confidence, discover their abilities and prepare for leadership without fear of discrimination, exploitation or abuse.
AWLA Nigeria Kogi State Branch further calls for increased investment in girls’ education, mentorship, life skills, legal awareness, psychosocial support and economic opportunities. Protecting a girl from harm is essential, but creating an environment in which she can flourish is equally important.
*AWLA Nigeria Kogi State Branch Reaffirms Its Commitment*
As part of its commitment to advancing the rights and opportunities of girls, AWLA Nigeria, Kogi State Branch, continues to promote mentorship, legal awareness, advocacy and community engagement aimed at empowering girls to understand their rights, recognise their worth and make informed decisions about their futures.
The Association’s **International Day of the Girl Child Event and Mentoring Session 3.0**, scheduled to hold at Crowther Memorial College, Lokoja, on Tuesday, 13th October 2026, will provide an opportunity to engage and inspire girls on their rights, personal development, self-worth, leadership and the importance of pursuing their educational and career aspirations.
According to Akinola, “Our commitment goes beyond celebrating the girl child on a particular day. We must create a society where every girl is safe at home, protected in her community, supported in school, heard in decisions affecting her life and empowered to pursue her dreams. Mentorship must translate into opportunity, advocacy must lead to action, and laws must deliver real protection.”
She added that investing in girls is not merely an act of compassion; it is a strategic investment in stronger families, safer communities, sustainable development and a more just society.
*A Call to Collective Action*
On this International Day of the Girl Child, AWLA Nigeria Kogi State Branch calls on every stakeholder to move beyond statements of solidarity and take deliberate, measurable action.
Government must strengthen protection and accountability. Parents must protect childhood and support education. Communities must reject harmful practices. Schools must nurture potential. Professionals must mentor. Civil society must sustain advocacy. And girls themselves must be encouraged to speak up, seek help when their rights are threatened and believe in the possibilities that lie ahead of them.
*We cannot build a just society while denying girls the right to enjoy their childhood, receive an education and determine the direction of their own lives in accordance with the law.*
AWLA Nigeria, Kogi State Branch, therefore reaffirms its unwavering commitment to a society where every girl is protected from child marriage and gender-based violence, has access to justice and quality education, and enjoys the dignity, freedom and opportunities necessary to fulfil her potential.
*Let us protect her childhood, defend her rights, invest in her education and empower her future.*
Because when we protect a girl, we protect her possibilities. When we educate a girl, we expand her choices. And when we invest in her rights, we invest in the future of our society.
END CHILD MARRIAGE. INVEST IN GIRLS’ RIGHTS. LET EVERY GIRL THRIVE.
Signed:
Joy Oluwaseun Akinola, Esq.
State Coordinator
African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), Nigeria
Kogi State Branch
