From strategic planning to powerful conversations, the 2-day consultation meeting between Girls Not Brides (GNB) and members of the National Coalition to End Child Marriage in Nigeria held recently in Abuja was a resounding step toward collective action and impact.
A Gathering of Purpose-Driven Change Makers
Held in Nigeria’s capital, the consultation brought together key members of the Coalition and the Girls Not Brides Global Secretariat for a crucial moment of reflection, review, and realignment. This wasn’t just another meeting — it was a strategic space for knowledge sharing, deep collaboration, and bold planning for the calendar year ahead.
From the opening remarks, it was clear that everyone in the room shared one goal: to accelerate the movement to end child marriage in Nigeria and ensure every girl can thrive, dream, and grow freely.
Key Highlights from the Consultation
✅ Knowledge Exchange:
Participants shared state-level insights, challenges, success stories, and strategies in tackling child marriage. This allowed the coalition to take stock of what’s working and identify gaps that need attention moving forward.
✅ Strategic Planning for Impact:
A major focus of the meeting was co-creating a roadmap of impactful activities for the next calendar year — including awareness campaigns, stakeholder engagement, policy advocacy, and youth-led interventions.
✅ Strengthening Collaboration:
The consultation deepened partnerships between Coalition members and GNB, fostering stronger coordination, mutual support, and resource sharing among actors working across regions.
✅ Amplifying Girls’ Voices:
The importance of centering girls in the movement — not just as beneficiaries but as leaders — echoed strongly. The coalition reaffirmed its commitment to youth participation and gender-transformative approaches.
Looking Ahead: Turning Plans Into Action
With clear next steps, strengthened ties, and renewed energy, the coalition is more ready than ever to push forward. The outcomes of this consultation are not just plans on paper — they represent real hope for thousands of girls across Nigeria.
As we move into the next calendar year, we carry the momentum from this gathering into every community, every conversation, and every campaign.
Together, we are louder.
Together, we are stronger.
Together, we can end child marriage.
