The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ondo State Chapter, has called for stronger efforts to protect the rights of the girl-child, particularly against child marriage and sexual exploitation.
The association made the call during a sensitisation visit to St Louis Girls’ Grammar School, Akure, as part of activities marking the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child.
The theme of this year’s celebration is *“Ending Child Marriage and Investing in Girls’ Rights.”*
Speaking during the visit, the Chairperson of Ondo NAWOJ, Comrade Tola Gbadamosi, JP, urged girls to speak up against abuse, understand their bodies and develop the confidence to defend their rights.
She stressed that every girl-child deserved the opportunity to live a purposeful life, free from discrimination, exploitation and harmful practices.
Comrade Gbadamosi said NAWOJ was committed to mentoring young girls to become advocates of their rights and encouraging them to speak out against child marriage and sexual exploitation.
She also called on parents, schools and the wider society to take collective responsibility for safeguarding girls and ensuring their access to education and equal opportunities.
The Vice-Principal, Academics, of the school, Mrs Mercy Oniye, who is also an alumna, commended NAWOJ for the initiative, describing investment in girls as an investment in the nation’s future.
She urged the association to sustain its efforts towards educating, empowering and preparing the girl-child for leadership and other opportunities in society.
Also speaking, the school’s Senior Prefect, Gift Akinbola, encouraged the students to be confident in their identity and strive to achieve their ambitions, regardless of societal limitations.
Citing women who had excelled in various professions, Akinbola said women could succeed in any field and should not be confined to traditional domestic roles.
Earlier, the Treasurer of Ondo NAWOJ, Comrade Folashade Oladeinde, urged the students to report any infringement of their rights and seek help from trusted adults and relevant authorities.
She also called for greater societal commitment to protecting girls and ending child marriage.
Other members of the delegation were the State Secretary, Comrade Oluwatosin Ighoteguono, and the Assistant Secretary, Comrade Omorihnola Hungbeji.
