The Executive Director of the Jashabel Touch-A-Heart Foundation (JTAH), Mrs Favour Benson, has called for stronger action to end child marriage, protect girls from abuse and ensure that every girl has the freedom, support and opportunity to determine her future.
Benson made the call in commemoration of the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, observed annually on October 11 to celebrate girls, amplify their voices and advocate for the protection and advancement of their rights.
This year’s theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights,” highlights the urgent need to address the harmful practices and social conditions that continue to deny millions of girls their childhood, education, safety and freedom of choice.
Benson described child marriage as a serious violation of girls’ rights, noting that forcing a girl into marriage before she is ready can have far-reaching consequences for her education, physical health, emotional well-being and personal development.
For Benson, the International Day of the Girl Child should serve as more than a symbolic celebration. It should be a renewed commitment to confronting the circumstances that leave girls vulnerable and ensuring that their rights are respected in homes, schools and communities.
She emphasised that every girl deserves to grow up in a safe environment, receive an education, access appropriate healthcare and make informed decisions about her life without being subjected to coercion, discrimination or abuse.
The JTAH Foundation Executive Director called on governments to strengthen laws and policies against child marriage and ensure that girls who experience abuse or exploitation can access protection, counselling and other essential support services.
She also urged parents, community leaders and relevant stakeholders to challenge harmful traditions and social expectations that place girls at risk, stressing that cultural practices should not be used to justify the violation of children’s rights.
Benson further encouraged individuals and organisations to invest in girls’ education, mentorship, psychosocial support and empowerment programmes, particularly for those living in vulnerable circumstances or affected by humanitarian crises.
She noted that protecting girls requires a collective effort involving families, schools, civil society organisations, government institutions and the wider community.
According to her, progress is possible when girls are supported, their voices are heard and the people responsible for their welfare take deliberate steps to protect their rights.
The JTAH Foundation, which works to advance humanitarian and human-rights causes through advocacy, counselling and intervention, recognises the importance of creating communities where girls can live free from violence, discrimination and harmful practices.
Benson called on stakeholders to listen to girls, include them in decisions that affect their lives and ensure that their concerns are reflected in policies and programmes designed for their protection and development.
As the world marks the International Day of the Girl Child, she urged everyone to speak out against child marriage, support initiatives that keep girls in school and help build a society where every girl can grow into a confident, healthy and empowered adult.
“A girl should not have to surrender her childhood to secure her future. Every girl deserves protection, education, dignity and the freedom to choose the life she wants to live,” she concluded.
About Jashabel Touch-A-Heart Foundation
The Jashabel Touch-A-Heart Foundation (JTAH) is a humanitarian organisation committed to promoting human rights and supporting vulnerable people through its ACI approach: Advocacy, Counselling and Intervention. The Foundation’s work includes efforts to address violence and other challenges affecting women and girls, with a broader commitment to advancing the welfare and dignity of vulnerable individuals.
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