By: Prisca Iwendi
In commemoration of the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, Naija Feminists Media (NFM), with support from Global Activists Network (GAN), has trained 52 female students at Apo Secondary School, Abuja, on early marriage, girls’ rights and the importance of education.
The training was organised under the theme “Youth Voices Against Child Marriage: Every Child Deserves Education,” with the aim of equipping young girls with knowledge and information to understand early marriage, recognise its risks and identify ways they can protect themselves and speak up against the practice.
The International Day of the Girl Child is observed annually on 11 October to highlight girls’ rights, challenges, and opportunities. The 2026 theme, “End child marriage and invest in girls’ rights,” calls for action to prevent child marriage and ensure that girls are supported to learn, grow, exercise their rights and shape their own futures.
During the training, the students were taught about early marriage, its causes and its consequences, particularly how it can affect a girl’s education, health, personal development and future opportunities. The session also focused on ways to prevent early marriage, encouraging the students to understand their rights and the importance of speaking up when they are faced with situations that could put them at risk.
The girls were further educated on the relevant bodies and channels where cases of abuse, child marriage or other violations of their rights can be reported. The facilitators encouraged them not to remain silent when they or someone they know is at risk and emphasised the importance of seeking help from trusted adults and appropriate authorities.
Another key part of the training was digital and social media safety. The students learned how to use social media positively to access information, learn, express themselves, and take advantage of opportunities, while also staying cautious about the risks associated with online platforms. They were encouraged to protect their personal information, exercise caution when interacting with strangers online, avoid sharing sensitive content and think carefully about the information they consume and share on social media.
The training was highly interactive, with the students actively participating in the discussions, responding to questions and sharing their thoughts throughout the session. Their responsiveness and engagement demonstrated a growing understanding of the issues discussed.
By the end of the training, the students had gained increased knowledge and understanding of early marriage, its causes, prevention strategies, their rights, available reporting channels and responsible social media use.
Over 50 girls participated in the training on advocating against child marriage. Photo source: Naija Feminists Media.
As part of the initiative, over 50 writing materials were distributed to the students to support their learning and participation in school. The materials served as a practical way to encourage girls to stay engaged with their education, and they also included guidance on contacting authorities to report predators.
The focus on youth voices was central to the project, recognising that girls and young people should not only be beneficiaries of conversations about issues affecting them but should also have the opportunity to speak, participate and contribute to solutions.
For Naija Feminists Media, creating spaces where girls can learn about their rights and openly discuss issues affecting them is central to building informed, confident young women who can advocate for themselves and others.
The initiative also reinforces education as a tool for empowerment. When girls have access to education, accurate information and supportive environments, they are better positioned to make informed decisions and pursue opportunities beyond the limitations imposed by harmful practices.
The training at Apo Secondary School therefore served as both an educational and advocacy initiative, bringing together 50 girls to learn, engage and reflect on an issue that can have lasting consequences for their lives.
Through Youth Voices Against Child Marriage, Naija Feminists Media seek to amplify girls’ voices and reinforce the message that every child deserves education and every girl deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, dream, and determine her own future.