Gift and Tama are calling on Nigerian federal government departments and state governments to come together and commit to resource a public awareness campaign that reaches remote communities, to ensure every girl and their families know the risks of trafficking and exploitation.

These brave girls are asking people around the world to join them. Over the coming weeks Gift and Tama will present the campaign to their government and if you add your name, you will be standing right by their side.

Why is this happening?

In North East Nigeria, humanitarian crisis and conflict have put girls’ safety in jeopardy. They’re facing violence, poverty and a lack of employment opportunities which – combined with gender inequality – have contributed to a dramatic increase in girls being trafficked within and across the country’s borders.

Traffickers are taking advantage of these girls’ circumstances. They’re luring girls and young women with promises of well-paid jobs and tricking families into giving up their daughters, but what seems like a way out is a path to exploitation. These girls are experiencing sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, violence and forced labour. They’re being trapped in a life of slavery.

Many girls don’t know the risks until it’s too late. That’s why we’re standing with youth advocates Tama and Gift as they say enough is enough. They’re championing a girl-led movement to say no to the trafficking of girls and young women in Nigeria, and demanding action from federal and state government departments. Will you stand with them?