By Sharon Akuboh
Abuja, Nigeria | October 11, 2026
As the world marks the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, Standup For Women Society (SWS), FCT Chapter, calls on parents, particularly fathers, to take a more deliberate, active and unwavering role in protecting the girl child from abuse, exploitation, child marriage, discrimination, neglect and all forms of violence.
The global theme for this year’s observance is “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights.” It is a timely reminder that every girl deserves the opportunity to grow up in safety, receive quality education, enjoy good health, develop her talents and make meaningful contributions to society without fear or discrimination.
While the theme highlights the urgent need to end child marriage and invest in girls’ rights, SWS FCT Chapter stresses that the family remains one of the most important places where the protection and empowerment of the girl child must begin.
FATHERS MUST BE PRESENT, PROTECTIVE AND ACCOUNTABLE
“We particularly appeal to fathers to recognise that their responsibilities go beyond providing food, shelter and school fees. A father’s duty includes offering emotional support, listening to his daughter, respecting her dignity, protecting her bodily autonomy and ensuring that no one takes advantage of her vulnerability”.
Fathers must create safe homes where daughters can speak openly about their fears, experiences and challenges without being blamed, intimidated or silenced. They must take allegations of abuse seriously, act promptly when their daughters are threatened and ensure that suspected perpetrators are reported to the appropriate authorities.
The protection of the girl child must never be compromised by family reputation, cultural practices, financial considerations or the status of an alleged offender. No child should be forced to endure abuse in silence to protect the image of a family or community.
We also call on mothers, guardians, teachers, religious and traditional leaders, community stakeholders and the wider society to work together to create environments where girls are safe, valued and empowered.
END CHILD MARRIAGE AND HARMFUL PRACTICES
SWS FCT Chapter strongly advocates an end to child marriage and every practice that deprives girls of their childhood, education, health, freedom and future opportunities.
Child marriage can expose girls to serious health risks, interrupt their education and increase their vulnerability to violence and lifelong economic hardship. UNICEF continues to emphasise the need for stronger protection systems, continued education and sustained investment in girls’ rights.
We therefore urge parents and guardians never to regard the marriage of a child as a solution to poverty, family challenges or social pressure. Rather, families should invest in their daughters’ education, skills development, confidence and capacity to become independent, responsible and productive citizens.
A girl child is not a financial burden or a bargaining instrument. She is a human being with rights, potential, aspirations and a future that deserves to be protected.
PROTECT GIRLS FROM SEXUAL ABUSE AND EXPLOITATION
We are deeply concerned about the vulnerability of girls to sexual abuse, harassment, trafficking, online exploitation, bullying and other forms of gender-based violence.
We urge parents to teach their children about personal safety, appropriate boundaries and how to report uncomfortable or threatening experiences. Fathers, in particular, must lead by example by demonstrating respect for women and girls and challenging attitudes that excuse abuse or blame victims.
Schools, religious institutions, youth organisations and community groups must establish safe reporting channels and respond responsibly to allegations of abuse. Children who disclose abuse must be heard, protected and supported rather than threatened, shamed or forced into silence.
Where abuse is suspected, appropriate child-protection services and law-enforcement agencies should be contacted promptly, with the child’s safety and privacy given priority.
INVEST IN THE EDUCATION AND FUTURE OF EVERY GIRL
SWS FCT Chapter calls on government at all levels, policymakers, development partners and the private sector to strengthen investments in accessible and quality education, healthcare, nutrition, digital literacy, vocational training and social protection for girls.
We urge authorities to strengthen the implementation of existing child-protection laws, improve access to justice for survivors of abuse and ensure that offenders are held accountable through due process.
Particular attention must be given to girls from low-income households, girls living with disabilities, out-of-school girls and those affected by displacement, insecurity and other circumstances that increase their vulnerability.
Every girl should have the opportunity to discover her abilities, develop her talents and pursue her dreams without being held back simply because she is female.
OUR CALL TO ACTION
On this International Day of the Girl Child, Standup For Women Society, FCT Chapter, calls on:
- Fathers: Be present, attentive and protective. Believe your daughters, defend their rights and create homes where they feel safe.
- Parents and guardians: Reject child marriage, abuse, harmful practices and every form of discrimination against girls.
- Government: Strengthen child-protection mechanisms, enforce applicable laws and invest adequately in girls’ education, health and security.
- Schools and communities: Establish safe environments, promote equal opportunities and ensure that allegations of abuse receive appropriate attention.
- Religious and traditional leaders: Use their influence to challenge harmful practices and promote the dignity, safety and development of every girl.
- Girls themselves: Know that your voice matters, your rights deserve respect and you should seek help from trusted adults and appropriate authorities whenever you feel unsafe.
As an organisation committed to women’s welfare, dignity and empowerment, SWS FCT Chapter reaffirms its commitment to advocating for a society where girls are protected from violence, supported in their education and given the opportunity to fulfil their potential.
We believe that protecting the girl child is not the responsibility of women alone. It is a collective duty that requires fathers, mothers, institutions, government and society to act with courage, compassion and accountability.
A protected girl is an empowered girl. An educated girl is an investment in the future. And a society that protects its girls strengthens its own future.
Let us move beyond annual celebrations to practical, measurable and sustained action. Let every home become a place of safety, every school a place of opportunity and every community a place where the rights of the girl child are respected.
End child marriage. Protect the girl child. Invest in her rights. Secure her future.
This was contained in a statement jointly signed by Lib Mina Daniels Chairperson Standup For Women Society (SWS), FCT Chapter and Princess Joy Omagha Idam Secretary Standup For Women Society (SWS), FCT Chapter.
Issued by: Standup For Women Society (SWS), FCT Chapter