THDI Executive Director Demands Urgent Action to End Child Marriage
By Jonah Fubara, YENAGOA – The Executive Director of Thriving Hopes Development Initiatives (THDI), Asah Grace Joel, has called for urgent action to end child marriage and protect girls from gender-based violence, urging governments, communities and other stakeholders to prioritise girls’ education, healthcare and rights.
Joel made the call in a goodwill message at the International Day of the Girl Child programme organised by the Voice of Ijaw Girl Child (VIGC) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
Speaking on the theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights!”, she stressed that every girl deserved the opportunity to grow, learn, make informed choices and pursue her dreams without fear, discrimination or societal limitations.
According to her, empowering girls requires more than giving them a voice; it also involves ensuring that they are heard, educated, protected from violence and harmful practices, and provided with opportunities to thrive.
She noted that THDI’s commitment to public health, education and gender equality was driven by the recognition that investing in girls’ rights would contribute to healthier families and stronger communities.
Joel urged stakeholders to renew their commitment to ending child marriage, promoting girls’ education and health, addressing gender-based violence, and creating safe spaces where girls could discover their potential and confidently pursue their aspirations.
Addressing the girls at the event, she encouraged them not to allow their backgrounds or circumstances to limit their ambitions, reminding them of their importance in shaping society.
“Your voice matters, your dreams are valid, and your future deserves to be protected,” she said.
She added that girls should not be seen only as future leaders but also as important contributors to community development and decision-making in the present.
The THDI executive director commended the Voice of Ijaw Girl Child and other stakeholders working to advance the rights and welfare of girls, expressing hope that the programme would inspire meaningful conversations, stronger partnerships and practical actions to secure a brighter future for every girl child.
She emphasised the need for sustained collective efforts to ensure that girls, particularly those in vulnerable communities, had access to quality education, healthcare and adequate protection to fulfil their potential.
Joel concluded by wishing girls across the world a happy International Day of the Girl Child, reaffirming the need for a society where every girl could live safely, make informed choices and contribute meaningfully to development.
