A non-governmental organisation, Gimbiya Eco-Conserve Initiative, has called for greater investment in climate education and practical skills training for girls to strengthen their resilience, promote economic empowerment and help tackle child marriage.
The founder of the organisation, Mrs Salamatu Ekpo, made the call during an outreach programme at Panda Development Area in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State to commemorate the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child.
Ekpo said girls from economically disadvantaged communities were particularly vulnerable to child marriage, which often disrupts their education and exposes them to premature domestic responsibilities and childcare.
She stressed that equipping girls with knowledge of climate change, environmental risks and their socioeconomic implications could help them develop skills to adapt to climate challenges while exploring opportunities for financial independence.
According to her, practical vocational training, including liquid soap production, could provide girls with sustainable income-generating skills, ease financial pressure on their families and encourage them to remain in school.
Ekpo noted that combining climate education with economic empowerment would give girls better opportunities to build secure futures rather than being forced into early marriage because of financial hardship.
She also emphasised the importance of community participation in protecting girls’ rights, calling for the involvement of traditional rulers and other community leaders in promoting girls’ education and discouraging child marriage.
The initiative highlights the importance of linking climate education, vocational skills and community engagement to address the economic and social factors that prevent girls from completing their education.
By equipping girls with relevant knowledge and practical skills, such interventions can help strengthen their resilience, expand their economic opportunities and support efforts to end child marriage.
