Women’s rights organisations have called for stronger enforcement of child-protection laws, safer schools and improved access to education to end child marriage in Nigeria.

The organisations, operating under the lRenewed Women’s Voice and Leadership Nigeria (RWVL-N) Project, urged governments, parents and community leaders to protect girls from early marriage and support their education.

The call was made during activities marking the International Month of the Girl Child, themed, “End Child Marriage; Invest in Girls’ Rights.” The activities included school programmes, debates, drama and online discussions.

In Abuja, the Association of Women in Social Work and Humanitarian Activities Network (ASWHAN) engaged students and teachers of Spiritan International Girls Secondary School, Lugbe, urging parents and guardians to support girls’ education.

Similarly, in Bauchi, the Fahimta Women and Youth Development Initiative (FAWOYDI) brought together schoolgirls from Alkaleri, Bauchi and Ganjuwa local government areas at Government Girls College, Bauchi, for a drama presentation and debate on ending early marriage.

FAWOYDI’s Executive Director, Amina Suleiman, said child marriage deprives girls of their childhood, disrupts their education and exposes them to responsibilities for which they may not be prepared. She called for stronger child-protection systems, safer schools, mentorship, vocational training and life-skills development to help girls avoid early marriage and build independent futures.

In Calabar, Gender and Development Action (GADA) held a discussion with students of Government Girls’ Secondary School, Big Qua. Participants raised concerns about abuse, gender inequality, teenage pregnancy and support for survivors.

The Young Urban Women Movement Nigeria (YUWMN), during an online discussion involving 45 participants, identified poverty, gender inequality, cultural pressure, insecurity and limited access to education as factors that increase girls’ vulnerability to child marriage. The participants called for stricter enforcement of existing laws, gender desks at police stations, community monitoring and safe spaces for girls.

The organisations urged federal and state governments to enforce child-protection laws, improve access to quality education and provide support services for children at risk. They also called on traditional and religious leaders to challenge practices that endanger girls.

The groups stressed that ending child marriage requires sustained action beyond awareness campaigns, including stronger protection systems and continued investment in girls’ education and rights.

The activities were organised by ActionAid Nigeria and partner organisations with support from Global Affairs Canada.