The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ondo State Chapter, has called for stronger action to protect the girl-child from child marriage, sexual exploitation and other forms of abuse.
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, celebrated under the theme, “Ending Child Marriage and Investing in Girls’ Rights.”
Speaking during the visit, the Chairperson of Ondo NAWOJ, Comrade Tola Gbadamosi, JP, urged the students to understand their rights, speak out against abuse and develop the confidence to protect themselves.
She said every girl deserved the opportunity to live a purposeful life free from discrimination, exploitation and harmful practices.
Gbadamosi reaffirmed the association’s commitment to mentoring young girls to become advocates of their rights and encouraging them to speak against child marriage and sexual exploitation.
She also called on parents, schools and society to work together to protect girls, promote their education and ensure equal opportunities for them to thrive.
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.
Oniye urged the association to sustain its efforts to educate and empower girls and prepare them for leadership and other opportunities in society.
Also speaking, the school’s Senior Prefect, Gift Akinbola, encouraged the students to be confident in themselves and pursue their ambitions despite societal limitations.
She cited women who had excelled in different professions, stressing that girls could succeed in any field and should not be restricted to traditional domestic roles.
Earlier, the Treasurer of Ondo NAWOJ, Comrade Folashade Oladeinde, advised the students to report violations of their rights and seek help from trusted adults and relevant authorities.
She also called for greater commitment from society to protecting girls and ending child marriage.
Other members of the NAWOJ delegation were the State Secretary, Comrade Oluwatosin Ighoteguono, and the Assistant Secretary, Comrade Omorihnola Hungbeji.
