Introduction
To commemorate the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, themed “Ending Child Marriage and Investing in Girls’ Rights”, a school-based advocacy and enlightenment outreach was conducted at Anglican College, Ota, and Ota Total Comprehensive College, Ota, Ogun State.

The programme focused on educating and empowering students, particularly girls, on their rights, personal safety, dignity, development and future aspirations. It emphasised the urgent need to prevent child marriage, protect girls from harmful practices and ensure that every girl remains in school, develops her talents and makes informed decisions about her future.
The outreach also provided a safe platform for discussion, clarification of misconceptions and guidance on recognising risks, seeking support and making informed choices.

Organisers and Collaboration
The programme was organised through the collaboration of the Nigerian Bar (NBA), the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) and the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA). Their joint participation reflected a shared commitment to promoting the rights, welfare, protection and empowerment of the girl child, while addressing child marriage and other practices that restrict girls’ opportunities.

The NBA was represented by its chairman, Josiah Ogunwale Esq, and its vice chairman, Felicity Ogudugu Esq, who also chairs the NBA Human Rights Committee. She moderated the sessions and led discussions on girls’ rights, protection from abuse, the dangers of child marriage, education and self-development.

The AWLA delegation was led by its State Coordinator, Ebere Obiora Esq, while the FIDA team was led by Abosede Olabisi Esq. Their participation demonstrated the importance of professional collaboration in promoting legal awareness, access to justice and stronger child-protection systems.

Programme Activities and Participation
The sessions at both schools featured presentations, open discussions and question-and-answer sessions. Students participated actively and demonstrated strong interest in their rights, personal safety, self-worth, responsibilities and future prospects.

Key issues discussed included:

The causes and consequences of child marriage;
The risks of school dropout, early pregnancy, violence, poor health outcomes and economic dependence;
The right of every girl to education, protection, dignity, bodily integrity and personal autonomy;
The importance of reporting abuse and seeking assistance from trusted adults and appropriate authorities; and
The need to challenge harmful stereotypes, social pressure and practices that limit girls’ opportunities.

Students were encouraged to ask questions about issues they found confusing or difficult to discuss. The visiting team provided practical guidance, corrected misconceptions and explained how students could access support when faced with abuse, threats or pressure to leave school for marriage.

The students’ enthusiasm confirmed the relevance of the programme and the importance of creating safe spaces where girls can express themselves and participate meaningfully in discussions about their rights, safety and aspirations.

Reception by the Schools
The management and representatives of both schools expressed appreciation to the participating organisations for selecting their institutions for the outreach.

They commended the initiative for helping students understand issues affecting their growth, development and protection. The schools particularly valued the focus on preventing child marriage, encouraging girls to remain in school and protecting students from abuse, exploitation and harmful practices.

Their cooperation and warm reception contributed significantly to the success of the programme and highlighted the important role of schools in advancing girls’ rights and creating supportive learning environments.

Key Outcomes

The outreach achieved the following outcomes:

Improved rights awareness: Students gained a better understanding of their rights, well-being, personal safety and future opportunities.

Increased awareness of child marriage: Students learned about the immediate and long-term consequences of child marriage and the importance of seeking assistance when faced with pressure or threats.

Promotion of girls’ education: The programme reinforced the value of keeping girls in school and investing in their education, skills and leadership.

Clarification of misconceptions: Interactive discussions enabled students to raise concerns and receive accurate, practical guidance.

Encouragement to speak up: Students were urged to report abuse, seek clarification and discuss concerns with trusted adults and relevant authorities.

Promotion of dignity and self-worth: Girls were encouraged to recognise their rights, value themselves and pursue their ambitions without being limited by discrimination or harmful social expectations.

Strengthened institutional collaboration: The participation of the NBA, AWLA and FIDA demonstrated the value of coordinated professional action in protecting and empowering girls.

Enhanced school partnerships: The positive response from both schools affirmed the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and professional organisations.

Conclusion

The outreach at Anglican College, Ota, and Ota Total Comprehensive College, Ota, was successful. The students’ active participation, the schools’ cooperation and the commitment of the NBA, AWLA and FIDA contributed to the achievement of the programme’s objectives.

The programme reaffirmed the importance of delivering rights-based education directly to schools and creating safe spaces where young people can ask questions, seek support and make informed decisions. It also highlighted the need for sustained action to end child marriage and invest in girls’ education, safety, health, leadership and future opportunities.

The outreach provided a strong foundation for continued advocacy and demonstrated the positive impact of professional collaboration in ensuring that every girl can enjoy her rights, remain in school and realise her full potential.

AWLA is ably represented by: Mesdames Ebere Obiora, Ndidi Taiwo-Ojo, Kk Ajose, M. Taiwo and Felicity Ogudugu.