As we marked the International Day of the Girl Child, we joined Tolon Radio for a discussion on the theme of ending child marriage and investing in girls’ rights. The engagement provided an opportunity to reflect on our work over the years to address child marriage and teenage pregnancy, promote girls’ education and challenge harmful practices affecting girls and women in our communities.
Our Executive Director, Hajia Fati Seidu Tambro, and Gender Officer, Khadija Amin Gombila, participated in the discussion alongside a woman beneficiary from one of our project communities in Tolon.
Investing in Girls’ Education and Protection
During the discussion, our Executive Director emphasised that education is the first investment in a girl child. We believe that every girl deserves the opportunity to remain in school, acquire relevant skills and build a future in which she can make informed decisions and become economically independent.
She also highlighted the responsibility of parents to actively support their daughters’ education, alongside the need for government scholarships and safe, girl-friendly school facilities. We continue to advocate for the protection of girls from child marriage, particularly before the age of 18, and for opportunities that enable them to complete their education and develop vocational skills.
Challenging Harmful Gender Norms in Our Communities
Our work goes beyond school-based advocacy. Through engagements with parents, schools and community members, we continue to challenge harmful social norms and promote shared responsibility within households.
During the radio discussion, our Gender Officer highlighted changes in some rural households where men are increasingly participating in domestic chores and helping to prepare children for school responsibilities traditionally considered the sole duty of women. Such changes can give women more opportunities to participate in economic activities while encouraging more equitable relationships within families.
Our interventions have also included awareness creation and advocacy in schools and communities, as well as the distribution of sanitary pads and books to support girls’ school attendance and participation. These efforts reflect our commitment to addressing the social and practical barriers that can prevent girls from reaching their full potential.
We also recognise the serious consequences associated with child marriage and teenage pregnancy, including health complications such as obstetric fistula. This reinforces the importance of sustained community education, early prevention and collective action to protect girls’ health, safety and rights.
Building Communities Where Girls Can Thrive
Our engagement on Tolon Radio reaffirmed the importance of working with families, schools, communities and relevant stakeholders to create lasting change. The experiences shared during the discussion also reminded us that progress requires more than awareness; it requires continued commitment to changing attitudes, supporting girls to stay in school and ensuring that their rights are respected.
At Sung Foundation, we remain committed to empowering girls, engaging communities and promoting an environment where every girl can learn, grow and pursue her aspirations free from child marriage and other harmful practices.
Ending child marriage and preventing teenage pregnancy is a shared responsibility. We call on parents, community leaders, schools, government and all stakeholders to take action to protect girls’ rights and invest in their future.