NGO seeks stronger action to protect, empower girls in crisis situations

As the world marks the International Day of the Girl Child 2025, the Rena Development Initiative has called for concrete action to protect and empower girls, particularly those living in conflict and crisis-affected communities. A statement signed by the Executive Director of the Initiative, Ruth Onoshiorena Obozeghie, said the theme for this year’s celebration, “The […]

As the world marks the International Day of the Girl Child 2025, the Rena Development Initiative has called for concrete action to protect and empower girls, particularly those living in conflict and crisis-affected communities.

A statement signed by the Executive Director of the Initiative, Ruth Onoshiorena Obozeghie, said the theme for this year’s celebration, “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis,” underscores the need to recognise girls as active agents of change rather than passive victims.

“Girls in crisis settings are not helpless. They are leading their communities with courage and innovation,” Obozeghie said. “We must move beyond symbolic gestures and translate commitments into real action that safeguards their rights and amplifies their leadership.”

She noted that more than 120 million girls worldwide remain out of school, with over half living in fragile or conflict-affected environments. In Nigeria alone, about 12.2 million girls are currently out of school—representing 21 percent of the global total.

Citing UNICEF data, Obozeghie described child marriage as a continuing threat to girls’ rights and development.

“Four out of every ten girls in Nigeria are married before the age of 18,” she said. “Early marriage denies girls education, exposes them to health risks, and perpetuates poverty.”

The organisation urged government at all levels to prioritise girls’ education during emergencies by ensuring safe school environments, providing scholarships, and expanding psychosocial and digital learning support.

It also called for stricter enforcement of laws against child marriage, female genital mutilation, and gender-based violence, alongside better access to healthcare, reproductive rights, and leadership opportunities for girls.

“When girls are included in policy and decision-making, societies become more just and resilient,” Obozeghie added. “Investing in girls’ education and leadership is not only a moral imperative — it’s an economic one.”

The group further advocated for gender-responsive budgeting and stronger coordination among ministries and agencies to ensure accountability in implementing girl-centered policies.

Obozeghie concluded with a call to action:“Let this day not be symbolic but a launching pad for renewed urgency. When girls lead, communities heal, economies thrive, and the future becomes brighter for all.”