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

Speaking during a menstrual hygiene sensitisation programme held for female students in private schools across Sokoto State, the Executive Director of GEI, Shafa’atu Suleiman, expressed concern over the growing impact of insecurity, displacement, and poverty on young girls — particularly in the North.

Suleiman lamented that thousands of girls in northern Nigeria are growing up amid insurgency, banditry, and forced displacement, leaving many without access to education, healthcare, and safety. She called for urgent action from the government, development partners, and community leaders to protect and empower these vulnerable children.

She further explained that creating safe spaces in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and other vulnerable communities would help provide psychosocial support, sustain education, and offer mentorship opportunities for affected girls.

“When girls are safe, educated, and empowered, entire communities benefit. Investing in girls is investing in peace and progress,” Suleiman stated.

The GEI Director also urged the Ministries of Women Affairs, Education, and Humanitarian Affairs to work closely with civil society groups to design gender-sensitive interventions tailored to the realities of girls living in crisis zones.

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

At Sahaba Academy in Sokoto, the school’s Principal, Mrs Ana, praised GEI’s initiative, while the Proprietor, Ahmed S. Fada, appealed to the government to invest more in girls’ education and provide adequate facilities for their well-being in schools.

Also speaking, GEI’s Programme Officer, Linda Idoko, encouraged girls to embrace their identity and prioritise personal hygiene.

“Being a woman is something to be proud of. Our organisation uses this opportunity to educate girls on menstrual hygiene and how to choose safe products to stay healthy,” she said.

This year’s International Day of the Girl Child, themed “The Girl That I Am, The Change I Lead,” highlights the need to empower girls to become active agents of change in their communities.

Reaffirming GEI’s commitment to promoting gender equality, Suleiman emphasised that no girl should be left behind, regardless of her background or the challenges around her.