Girls demand end to injustices

Nigeria and Sierra Leone girls have demanded for the enforcement of laws prohibiting child marriage and provide support systems for teenage mothers, including access to education and healthcare. The demands were contained in the outcome of the research work carried out by adolescent girls in both countries with the theme: “Shifting the power: Advancing Girl-led […]

Nigeria and Sierra Leone girls have demanded for the enforcement of laws prohibiting child marriage and provide support systems for teenage mothers, including access to education and healthcare.

The demands were contained in the outcome of the research work carried out by adolescent girls in both countries with the theme: “Shifting the power: Advancing Girl-led research”.

The girls also demanded targeted economic interventions to alleviate poverty in the report unveiled on Friday in Abuja, sponsored by ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) and ActionAid Sierra Leone, was carried out in Jigawa State and Abuja as well as in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

The girls listed child marriage, education, digital access and safety; gender stereotypes and socioeconomic exclusion, poverty, access to and control of money, menstrual health, safety and violence among others.

It was presented by Abuja Team Lead’s OlamideTimiparioge of Teenage Network, Jigawa Tam Lead’s Aishatu Suleiman Jahun of Baba Azimi; and Sierra Leone’s Team Lead Ms Brian.

The girls in their proposed solutions demanded for a change to harmful “Gender norms and biases through community education and awareness campaigns, promote gender equality by engaging men and boys as allies in dismantling patriarchal structures.

They said, “Enforcing laws prohibiting child marriage and provide support systems. Raise awareness about impacts of early marriage and pregnancy on girl’s health, education and future opportunities.”

They also demanded for increase investment in education infrastructure to improve access, retention and quality for girls. Provide scholarships, mentorship programs and other incentives to keep girls in school, especially those at risk of dropping out due to poverty and pregnancy.

Speaking earlier, the Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu said the research work only amplified the voices of the girls.

“This report is more than just research -it is a powerful demonstration of what happens when adolescent girls take the lead in shaping the conversations that affect their lives. Through this girl-led initiative, young researchers in Abuja, Jigawa, and Freetown have amplified their voices, shedding light on critical issues such as child marriage, access to education, gender-based violence, menstrual health, economic barriers, and harmful gender norms.

“Most importantly, they have not only identified these challenges but also proposed solutions that reflect their lived realities. At ActionAid Nigeria, our Country Strategy Paper (CSP) places the agency of women and girls at the heart of our work.

“We believe that true transformation happens when power shifts to those who have been historically excluded, and when women and girls are equipped to demand their rights and drive change in their communities. This research is a clear testament to that commitment, centering girls not as subjects of research but as knowledge producers, change-makers, and leaders in their own right,” Mamedu said.

Also, the Foday Bassie Swaray, the Executive Director of ActionAid Sierra Leone, said that the report is remarkable to the welfare of girls and that everyone must played their parts to ensure the implementation of the report and protect the rights of the girl child.