As the world marks the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child on October 11, Adolescent Health and Information Projects (AHIP) calls on governments, development partners, parents, community leaders and other stakeholders to strengthen efforts towards protecting the rights of every girl child and ensuring access to quality education, healthcare, protection and equal opportunities.
The day provides an important opportunity to renew commitments to building a society where every girl can thrive and fulfil her potential.
At AHIP, we believe that investing in the girl child is essential to sustainable development and the future of our communities. Every girl deserves access to quality education, reliable adolescent health information, adequate healthcare, protection from violence and opportunities to participate in decisions affecting her life.
Empowering girls not only improves their individual wellbeing but also contributes to stronger families and healthier communities.
Despite progress in promoting gender equality, many girls in Nigeria, particularly those in underserved communities, continue to face challenges such as forced marriage, gender-based violence, sexual exploitation, school dropout, harmful traditional practices and limited access to sexual and reproductive health information and services.
These barriers undermine their rights, expose them to preventable risks and limit their ability to achieve their aspirations.
AHIP is particularly concerned about adolescent girls who are denied opportunities to complete their education, make informed decisions about their health and participate meaningfully in society.
No girl should be forced to abandon her dreams because of poverty, discrimination, insecurity or harmful practices.
Every girl must be given the support and protection necessary to grow in a safe and enabling environment.
We therefore urge governments at all levels to strengthen policies and programmes that promote girls’ education, improve access to adolescent-friendly healthcare services, prevent child marriage and gender-based violence, and protect vulnerable girls.
Parents, guardians, traditional and religious leaders are also encouraged to challenge harmful stereotypes, support girls’ ambitions and create safe spaces where they can acquire life skills and develop their leadership potential.
AHIP further calls on development partners, civil society organisations and the private sector to increase investment in programmes that equip girls with relevant knowledge, skills and resources.
Girls must not be treated merely as beneficiaries of development initiatives but recognised as active participants whose voices, experiences and perspectives should shape policies and decisions that affect their lives.
As an organisation committed to adolescent health, information and empowerment, AHIP remains dedicated to advancing the rights and wellbeing of adolescent girls through advocacy, community engagement, access to information and programmes that promote their health, dignity and development.
We encourage every girl child to believe in her abilities, pursue her education, speak up for her rights and aspire to leadership in every sphere of life.
On this International Day of the Girl Child, AHIP calls on all stakeholders to move beyond promises and translate commitments into concrete actions that guarantee every girl the opportunity to survive, learn, grow, participate and succeed.
Protecting and empowering girls is a shared responsibility and a foundation for Nigeria’s sustainable development. Every girl deserves a future defined by opportunity, dignity, safety and hope.
Signed:
Dr. Mairo V. Bello
Executive Director
Adolescent Health and Information Projects (AHIP)
October 11, 2026
