INTERNATIONAL GIRLS’ DAY 2026 WITH THE THEME: END CHILD MARRIAGE, INVEST IN GIRL’S RIGHTS.
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD 2026: VIRGIN HEART FOUNDATION REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO GIRLS’ DEVELOPMENT, EDUCATION AND PROTECTION IN IMO STATE
Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria | 11 October 2026
As the world commemorates the International Day of the Girl Child, Virgin Heart Foundation (VHF) reaffirms its commitment to promoting the rights, development, education, protection and empowerment of girls, particularly those living in vulnerable and underserved communities across Imo State and Nigeria.
The International Day of the Girl Child, observed annually on 11 October, provides an important opportunity to reflect on the challenges confronting girls and to renew collective efforts towards building a society where every girl can grow up in safety, access quality education, make informed decisions about her future and realise her full potential.
In commemoration of this year’s celebration, Virgin Heart Foundation marked the occasion through school outreaches and awareness-raising activities aimed at educating girls on the dangers and consequences of child marriage. The outreaches provided an opportunity to engage schoolchildren on the importance of education, personal development, self-worth, rights awareness and the need to resist harmful practices that threaten their wellbeing and future opportunities.
VHF also commemorated the day in Imo State with the participation of many girls, providing a platform to amplify their voices, encourage their aspirations and strengthen awareness of the issues affecting their lives. The Foundation recognises that girls must not merely be participants in conversations about their future; they must be empowered to express their views, understand their rights and contribute meaningfully to decisions that affect them.
Child marriage remains a serious threat to girls’ development. It can interrupt education, expose girls to early pregnancy and associated health risks, increase their vulnerability to violence and exploitation, and limit their opportunities for economic independence and leadership. Every girl deserves the opportunity to complete her education, develop her talents and make informed choices about her future without the pressure of early or forced marriage.
Virgin Heart Foundation believes that protecting girls from child marriage requires sustained community engagement, parental and institutional support, accessible education, effective child protection systems and the enforcement of laws designed to safeguard children. Religious and traditional leaders, parents, teachers, government institutions, civil society organisations and young people all have important roles to play in ending practices that undermine the rights and dignity of girls.
Over the years, VHF has continued to advance girls’ development through initiatives focused on child protection, gender equality, prevention of gender-based violence and harmful traditional practices, adolescent empowerment, sexual and reproductive health awareness, positive parenting and community sensitisation. Through school and community engagements, the Foundation works to strengthen knowledge, challenge harmful social norms and create safer environments where girls can learn, thrive and pursue their ambitions.
Our work also recognises the importance of equipping adolescent girls with the confidence, knowledge and practical skills needed to become agents of positive change within their families, schools and communities. VHF remains committed to promoting girls’ leadership, encouraging their participation in civic and social development, and supporting interventions that protect vulnerable girls from abuse, neglect, exploitation and other forms of violence.
Speaking on the significance of the celebration, Peace Ebere Dike, Founder and Executive Director of Virgin Heart Foundation, emphasised the need for sustained investment in girls’ development and protection.
“Every girl deserves a childhood free from violence, a classroom where she can learn, a community where her voice is respected and a future in which her dreams are not limited by harmful cultural practices or social expectations. We must move beyond celebrating girls for one day and commit ourselves to creating lasting opportunities for their education, protection, leadership and empowerment. A girl who is protected, educated and empowered is better positioned to contribute meaningfully to the development of her family, community and society,” she said.
VHF calls on the Imo State Government, relevant ministries and agencies, schools, parents, community leaders, development partners and other stakeholders to strengthen collaborative action towards ending child marriage and all forms of violence against girls. The Foundation also urges communities to report suspected cases of child abuse and exploitation through appropriate child protection and law enforcement channels.
As we commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child 2026, Virgin Heart Foundation reiterates its commitment to building a society where girls are safe, educated, valued and empowered to lead. The Foundation will continue to work with stakeholders to challenge harmful practices, promote equal opportunities and ensure that girls across Imo State have the support they need to fulfil their potential.
#ENDCHILDMARRIAGE #INVESTINGIRLSRIGHTS Every girl matters. Every girl deserves protection. Every girl deserves a future.
Signed:
Peace Ebere Dike
Founder and Executive Director
Virgin Heart Foundation (VHF)
Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
Website: www.virginheartfoundation.org
Email: Info@virginheartfoundation.org
Phone: 08123204947