Girl Child Day: Ondo Journalists demand more investment in girls’ health, rights
By Lai Gidado
As the world marked the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, the Network of Reproductive Health Journalists of Nigeria (NRHJN), Ondo State Chapter, has called for stronger protection of girls’ rights and greater investment in healthcare, menstrual hygiene and reproductive health education.
The network made the call in a press release signed by the State Coordinator of NRHJN in Ondo State, Fatima Muraina, and the chapter’s Secretary, Dupe Isename to commemorate the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, observed annually on October 11 by the United Nations, with the theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights.”
The network said every girl deserved access to quality healthcare, accurate and age-appropriate health information, adequate nutrition and a safe environment to grow and realise her full potential.
It stressed that protecting the health and reproductive well-being of girls was essential to their personal development and the overall progress of society.
However, the organisation expressed concern that many girls continued to face challenges, including limited access to reproductive health information, inadequate menstrual health and hygiene support, gender-based violence, sexual abuse, early and forced marriage, and teenage pregnancy.
According to the network, these challenges expose girls to serious health risks, disrupt their education and undermine their social and economic opportunities.
It called for comprehensive, age-appropriate sexuality education to equip girls with accurate information about puberty, menstrual health, personal safety, consent, bodily autonomy and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections.
The NRHJN noted that such education should be delivered in a culturally sensitive manner that respects family values while protecting the health, dignity and rights of girls.
The organisation urged the Ondo State Government to strengthen adolescent-friendly healthcare services across the state, particularly in underserved rural communities, to ensure that girls could access reliable health information, counselling and appropriate medical care without discrimination, stigma or fear.
It also advocated increased investment in menstrual health and hygiene, including access to affordable sanitary products, clean water, functional toilets and adequate sanitation facilities in schools and communities.
The network maintained that no girl should be forced to miss school or abandon her daily activities because of inadequate menstrual hygiene facilities or the inability to afford sanitary products.
It appealed to parents and guardians to create safe and supportive environments where girls could freely discuss health concerns, ask questions about puberty and reproductive health, and seek professional medical assistance when necessary.
The organisation also urged traditional and religious leaders, community-based organisations and civil society groups to intensify efforts to discourage early and forced marriage, female genital mutilation, sexual exploitation and other harmful practices that threaten the physical and psychological well-being of girls.
On protection against abuse, the NRHJN called for stronger mechanisms to prevent and respond to sexual and gender-based violence against girls.
It urged relevant authorities to ensure that survivors received timely medical attention, psychosocial support, protection and access to justice.
The network described keeping girls in school as an important investment in their health and future, noting that informed and empowered girls were better positioned to protect their health, recognise abuse, seek appropriate healthcare and contribute meaningfully to their families and communities.
Reaffirming its commitment to responsible and evidence-based journalism, the organisation called on media organisations and journalists to pay greater attention to adolescent health issues, challenge harmful stereotypes and hold relevant authorities accountable for policies and programmes designed to protect and empower the girl child.
It emphasised that protecting the girl child must go beyond annual celebrations and public declarations, requiring sustained investment in healthcare, education, nutrition and protection services.
The network urged all stakeholders to work collectively towards building a society where every girl, regardless of her background or location, could grow up healthy, safe, informed and empowered to fulfil her potential.
