Prioritise Girl Child’s Education To Avoid Early Marriage -Women Rights Forum Urges Parents

By Monday Peters, Abuja

The Ijaw Women Rights’ Protection Forum, IWRPF, has issued a passionate call to parents across the Niger Delta and beyond, urging them to prioritize the education of the girl child as a critical investment in family stability, community development, and national progress.

In a statement released on Monday, the forum’s president Comrade Hilda Amogha described girl child education as “not optional” but “essential for her future and for the strength of the entire family,” warning that neglecting it limits opportunities not just for girls, but for entire generations.

According to the group, an educated girl gains the tools to stand on her own, make informed decisions, and avoid dependency that often leads to exploitation.

“Education gives a girl independence. An educated girl can stand on her own, make informed decisions, and is less likely to depend on others for survival. This protects her from exploitation and gives her dignity,” the statement read.

The forum stressed that the impact of educating a girl extends beyond the individual. “An educated girl strengthens the family. She contributes meaningfully, supports her parents, and raises children who are healthy, disciplined, and educated. When you educate a girl, you are not just training one person, you are shaping generations.”

The group linked girl child education directly to broader social outcomes, noting that girls who remain in school longer are less likely to enter early marriage and more likely to build careers that create stable, prosperous homes.

“Education also reduces early marriage and poverty. Girls who remain in school longer gain better opportunities, build careers, and create more stable and prosperous homes,” it said.

Beyond economic benefits, the forum emphasized the role of education in building confidence and voice. “A girl who is educated can speak up, express herself, and stand for her rights. She cannot easily be silenced or controlled by harmful traditions or pressure.”

The statement framed girl child education as a public good, not just a private family matter. “Society benefits. Communities that educate their girls experience better health, lower crime, and stronger development. Educating a girl is not just a family decision, it is a community investment.”

The Ijaw Women Rights’ Protection Forum directly addressed excuses parents often give for deprioritizing girls’ schooling.

On the claim that “she will marry and leave the house,” the group responded: “Even if she marries, she carries your values, your name, and your legacy forward with pride.”

On financial constraints: “We don’t have enough money. Invest what you can. Education is far more valuable than temporary expenses.”

“Neglecting a girl’s education limits her future. Supporting it opens doors, not just for her, but for the entire family,” the forum added.

The group urged parents to be deliberate about girls’ education: “Be intentional. Encourage her. Pay attention to her schooling. Protect her time to learn. That is how you truly care for your daughter. That is how you build a stronger future.”

The statement ended with the rallying call: *“Educate a girl child, empower a generation.”*

*Tags:* #GirlChildEducation #IjawWomen #ProtectHerFuture #EducationForAll