FAWE, Christy Agim Initiative Demand End to Child Marriage in Owerri

The Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE), Imo State Chapter, in collaboration with Christy Agim Initiative (CAI), has called for an end to child marriage and increased investment in girls’ rights and education during the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child celebration in Owerri, Imo State.

The event, held on Wednesday, October 21, at the 500-capacity auditorium of the School of General Studies, Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, attracted secondary school students, educators, women leaders and other stakeholders under the theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights.”

Speaking at the event, FAWE Imo State Coordinator, Juliana Njoku, said child marriage violates girls’ rights, disrupts their education, exposes them to early pregnancy and related health risks, and limits their future opportunities.

Njoku, who explained that FAWE was established in 1992 to address gender inequalities in education, called on government, parents, traditional and religious leaders, schools and development partners to work together to end child marriage and keep girls in school.

She also urged girls to believe in themselves, recognise their worth, pursue their dreams and speak out whenever their rights or safety were threatened.

The Project Lead of Christy Agim Initiative, Christy Agim, described the celebration as a renewed call to protect girls, nurture their aspirations and provide opportunities for them to thrive.

“Every girl deserves more than sympathy; she deserves opportunity, protection, mentorship and the resources to succeed,” Agim said.

She explained that CAI supports girls, particularly those in underserved communities, through mentorship, counselling, menstrual hygiene education, sanitary pad distribution and personal development programmes.

The Deputy Rector (Academic) of Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Obinna Iwueke, who represented the Rector and chaired the occasion, stressed that investing in girls was essential to the development of families, communities and society.

The programme also featured a keynote address by emotional mastery coach Chioma Greywood-Ogu and presentations on the role of the media in protecting girls’ rights and the importance of embracing natural beauty without societal pressure.

Students shared their career aspirations and highlighted challenges facing girls, including financial difficulties, early marriage pressure, discrimination, insecurity, menstrual hygiene concerns and limited access to educational support and mentorship.

Participating schools included Federal Polytechnic Nekede Staff Secondary School, Geojul Group of Schools, Treasure Scientia, Eternal World International School, Brilliant Giant Secondary School, Comprehensive Secondary School, Umudibia, and Community Secondary School, Nekede.

A major highlight was the presentation of the “Girl-Child Declaration 2026,” in which students affirmed their right to education, protection, dignity and equal opportunities.

“We are girls! We have voices, we have dreams, we have rights.”

“Our future matters!” the students declared.

The celebration also featured cultural performances and the distribution of souvenirs, including sanitary pads and snacks.

The organisers called for sustained action beyond annual celebrations through mentorship, educational support, child-protection initiatives and partnerships to ensure that girls are protected from harmful practices and empowered to fulfil their potential.