The Christian Women for excellence and Empowerment in Nigeria Society (CWEENS) has sensitised pupils of LEA Zot Shen in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State on girl-child rights and the dangers of child marriage as part of activities marking the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child.
The sensitisation and dialogue session, which involved pupils in Primary 3 to 6, was held under the theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights!”, with a call for greater investment in girls’ childhood, rights and future.
The 2026 campaign calls for stronger action to protect girls’ childhoods, expand their opportunities and ensure they have the freedom to learn, grow, make informed choices and shape their own futures.
Child marriage is not simply an issue concerning marriage but fundamentally one of girls’ rights, protection, education, health, participation and opportunity.
It can interrupt a girl’s education, restrict her choices and expose her to increased risks of violence and other forms of vulnerability.
The campaign therefore emphasises practical investments in girls’ education, protection and social support while encouraging families and communities to challenge harmful norms and support girls’ leadership.
During the visit to LEA Zot Shen, the school principal, Mrs Umbule Dominic, and her team warmly welcomed the CWEENS delegation and expressed appreciation for selecting the school for the learning opportunity, which was provided at no cost.
Through age-appropriate discussions and interactive sessions, the pupils explored girls’ rights, the importance of education, the dangers of child marriage, and the need for girls to speak up and seek support from trusted adults.
The engagement also highlighted the roles of boys, parents, caregivers, and community and faith leaders in protecting girls and challenging harmful social norms.
23 girls every minute: Child marriage must end
According to the campaign message, an estimated 12 million girls worldwide are married before the age of 18 every year.
The campaign stressed that every girl deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, make informed choices and shape her future.
The activity was implemented through the Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership Nigeria (RWVL-N) Project, with support from ActionAid Nigeria and funding from Global Affairs Canada.
CWEENS reiterated its call on families, communities and stakeholders to protect girls, keep them in school and work collectively to end child marriage.
The organisation also urged communities to invest in girls’ rights and opportunities to ensure that every girl can fulfil her potential.
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