International Day of the Girl Child: NGO Urges Government to Create Safe Spaces for Girls in Conflict Zones

As the world celebrates the International Day of the Girl Child, the Gender Educators Initiative (GEI) has urged the Federal Government to prioritise the establishment of safe spaces for girls living in conflict-affected and crisis-prone areas across Nigeria.

The call was made by GEI’s Executive Director, Shafa’atu Suleiman, during a sensitisation programme on menstrual hygiene for female students in private schools across Sokoto State, held on Friday to commemorate the global event.

Suleiman expressed deep concern over the growing impact of insecurity, displacement, and poverty on young girls, especially in northern Nigeria, noting that many are exposed to violence, abuse, and early marriage.

“Thousands of girls across northern Nigeria are growing up amid crises — from insurgency to banditry and forced displacement. Many have lost access to education, healthcare, and the basic sense of safety every child deserves. It is, therefore, crucial for government, development partners, and community leaders to act swiftly to protect and empower them,” she said.

She further explained that creating safe spaces within internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and vulnerable communities would help provide psychosocial support, mentorship, and continued access to education for affected girls.

“When girls are safe, educated, and empowered, entire communities thrive. Investing in girls is investing in peace and progress,” she added.

Suleiman also urged the Ministries of Women Affairs, Education, and Humanitarian Affairs to partner with civil society organisations in designing gender-sensitive interventions that address the specific needs of girls in conflict areas.

As part of activities marking the day, GEI organised a menstrual hygiene awareness campaign to educate young girls on maintaining proper hygiene and health during their menstrual cycles.

At the event held at Sahaba Academy, Sokoto, the school’s Principal, Mrs Ana, commended GEI’s commitment to girl-child advocacy, while the Proprietor, Ahmed S. Fada, called on the government to give more attention to girls’ education and ensure schools have adequate facilities to promote comfort and wellbeing.

GEI’s Programme Officer, Linda Idoko, encouraged girls to take pride in their womanhood, saying, “Being a woman is a beautiful thing. Our organisation is committed to teaching girls about menstrual hygiene and safe product choices to help them stay healthy and confident.”

This year’s celebration, themed “The Girl That I Am, The Change I Lead,” highlights the need to empower girls to become leaders and changemakers in their communities.

Reaffirming GEI’s commitment to promoting gender equality and inclusion, Suleiman concluded that no girl should be left behind, regardless of her location or the challenges she faces.