Plateau Lady Pharmacists Urge Action Against Child Marriage, Distribute Sanitary Pads to 300 Girls

The Association of Lady Pharmacists of Nigeria, Plateau State chapter, has called on parents, communities and the government to protect girls’ rights and invest in their education and healthcare. The association made the appeal during an event marking the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child at Rochas Foundation College in Jos.

The event, held under the theme “End Child Marriage, Invest in Girls’ Rights,” brought together participants from at least seven schools across Plateau State. Speakers highlighted the dangers of child marriage and the need to create opportunities for girls to complete their education, maintain good health and fulfil their potential.

Dorathy Biggs, chairperson of the occasion, condemned the continued practice of child marriage, warning that it deprives girls of opportunities to achieve their ambitions and contribute to society. She urged mothers, communities and the state government to work together to end the practice.

“The girl child is full of potential but child marriage cuts short her dreams,” Biggs said. She added that educating girls would help prepare them to become women capable of contributing to the development of Plateau State and Nigeria.

Also speaking, Olivia Dazyam, chairperson of the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission and special adviser to Governor Caleb Mutfwang on gender, commended the association for its efforts to promote girls’ rights. She said the state government remained committed to protecting girls and addressing gender-based abuses.

“Child marriage is not culture. It is a violation of rights,” Dazyam said, adding that the government would continue enforcing existing laws while investing in girls’ education and healthcare.

The chairperson of the association’s Plateau chapter, Lydia Ior, said the commemoration was organised to amplify girls’ voices and draw attention to the challenges affecting their welfare. She stressed that pharmacists had a responsibility to support the overall well-being of girls beyond the provision of medicines.

“As lady pharmacists, we are not only concerned about drugs; we are concerned about the total well-being of the girl child,” Ior said. Meanwhile, Obiageli Eze-Ugonna, chairperson of the organising committee, disclosed that the association distributed sanitary pads to more than 300 schoolgirls to promote menstrual hygiene and reduce barriers to school attendance.

Eze-Ugonna explained that some girls struggle to afford sanitary products, a situation that may contribute to absenteeism and increase their vulnerability. She urged the girls to remain in school, speak up about their concerns and pursue their ambitions. The event also featured health talks, spoken-word poetry and participation by representatives of health and gender-focused organisations. The International Day of the Girl Child is observed annually on October 11 to promote girls’ rights and highlight challenges affecting their education, welfare and development.