The National Council for Women Societies (NCWS) in Kebbi State has intensified its campaign against girl-child street hawking, calling for legislative action to ban the practice across the state.

State President of the council, Hajiya Hadiza Muhammed Kola, expressed concern over the increasing number of young girls engaged in street hawking, describing the trend as "dangerous and morally harmful" to their wellbeing.

"It is troubling that young girls are left to roam the streets in the name of supporting their families. In many cases, this leads to prostitution, rape, and child labour," Kola stated during her address on the issue.

According to the NCWS president, the practice exposes vulnerable girls to numerous risks including sexual exploitation, early sex-for-money transactions, and various forms of abuse that could permanently affect their development and future prospects.

Challenging the common perception that poverty is solely responsible for the practice, Kola pointed out that many women in the state have benefited from government support programmes, particularly home gardening initiatives, which have enabled them to earn sufficient income to support their families without resorting to sending their daughters to hawk on streets.

"We are currently in discussions with the Kebbi State House of Assembly to consider legislation that would outlaw girl-child street hawking across the state," she revealed, adding that the proposed law would impose tough penalties on defaulters to serve as a deterrent.

The NCWS's advocacy comes amid growing concerns about child protection issues in Nigeria, where economic pressures often force families to involve children in income-generating activities at the expense of their education and safety.

Child rights advocates have consistently highlighted that street hawking not only deprives children of educational opportunities but also normalizes child labor and increases their vulnerability to trafficking and exploitation.

If successful, the proposed legislation would mark a significant step toward protecting the rights and welfare of the girl-child in Kebbi State, potentially setting a precedent for similar initiatives across other states in Nigeria.