PERCEIVED NEED FOR COUNSELLORS IN PROTECTING THEGIRLCHILD AND WOMEN RIGHT IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The study examined perceived need for counsellors in protecting the girl child and women right in Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study are to examine the various areas where culture interferes with the girl-child right, the need for protecting the rights of girl-child, the challenges of protecting the girl-child, laws protecting the girl-child and the roles of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in protecting the girl child in Nigeria. The descriptive survey design was used in this study. The population of this study covered all the accredited female counsellors that registered with the Counselling Association of Nigeria (CASSON). The target population of female counsellors registered with the Counselling Association of Nigeria (CASSON), 2024 was about three thousand (3,000) from which this study drew sample for the purpose of this research work. A sample size of 300 female counselors representing about 10% of the target population was drawn. To determine sample adequacy of the target population, the Yaro Yamane’s sampling formula was used. Data collected was analysed with the simple percentage (%). Findings revealed that the girl-child in Nigeria faces numerous challenges that hinder their development and well-being, including gender-based violence, limited access to education, early marriage and harmful traditional practices. Protecting. The girlchild is not only moral obligation but also a strategic investment in the country’s future as it empowers girls to become educated, healthy and active members of society. It was therefore recommended that Government should implement initiatives to improve girl’s access to quality education, including school infrastructure, scholarship and awareness campaigns on the importance of girl’s education.