Follow Us on Google
From Oluseye Ojo (Lagos), Fred Eze, Okwe Obi and Idu Jude (Abuja), Laide Raheem (Abeokuta),
A civil society organisation, Initiative for Research, Innovation, and Advocacy in Development (IRIAD) and The Electoral Hub, has urged the Federal Government to pursue policies that promote gender equality as the country joined other nations to mark the Initernational Day of the Girl Child.
Director of The Electoral Hub, Princess Hamman-Obels, on Friday, in a statement said that the day, set aside by the United Nationa General Assembly in December 2011, serves as a powerful reminder of the unique challenges that girls face globally while simultaneously celebrating their potential as change-makers in society.”
The statement read in part: “This initiative arose from a growing recognition of the pressing issues that girls encounter, including systemic gender-based discrimination, violence, and barriers to education and healthcare. The day aims to promote girls’ empowerment and highlight their rights, fostering an environment where they can thrive and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
“In Nigeria, the situation for girls is particularly alarming. The country faces many challenges that disproportionately affect young females. Issues such as child marriage remain prevalent, with millions of girls forced into early marriages that curtail their education and limit their prospects. According to recent statistics, 38 percent of girls in Nigeria are currently out of school.
“This educational gap not only stunts their personal development but also has far-reaching implications for the nation’s economic growth and social stability.
“Moreover, gender-based violence continues to be a significant barrier for girls in Nigeria. Reports indicate that many girls experience violence at home, in schools, or within their communities.
“It is our responsibility to champion the vision of a future where girls are not only seen but heard and where they play an active role in shaping policies that affect their lives and communities.”
In Ogun State, in commemoration of the day, Treasured Points of Light Foundation, an NGO, at the weekend sensitized female students on menstrual hygiene and donated over 700 sanitary pads to schools in rural communities in Ogun State, in commemoration of the International Girl Child Day.
The President of the NGO, Oluwadamilola Onebamhoin, while speaking at the event held at the Army Day Secondary School in Alamala Barracks, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, noted that the programme was part of the organisation’s annual outreach activities aimed at supporting and educating girls in rural communities.
Onebamhoin noted further that access to proper menstrual products is often limited in rural areas, and many girls resort to using unsafe alternatives, leading to health complications such as infections and infertility.
She pointed out that the event focused on key challenges being faced by girls, including child marriage and menstrual hygiene management.
Onebamhoin emphasized the societal and cultural barriers that continue to hold girls back, stressing the need to shift mindsets and cultural norms.
One of the beneficiaries, Aishat Olabode, a JSS 3 student of Army Day Junior Secondary School, commended the Foundation for the sensitization and free menstrual pad, noting that it further increased her knowledge.
Other News
On it own part, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, called for concerted efforts toward addressing the challenges girls face and to promote their empowerment and fulfilment of their human rights.
According to Johnson, girls in Nigeria have continued to face significant challenges, including gender-based violence, lack of opportunities to education, good health, empowerment and ignorance imposed by cultural limitations.
With specific reference to this year’s theme ‘Girls’ Vision for the Future’, the party said government, allied institutions and generality of the society should share a collective agenda to combat issues that have limited the empowerment and development of girls and in different dimensions so that their future was properly shaped for the attainment of their potential.
He emphasized that girls have the right to a safe, educated, and healthy life, not only during their formative years, but also as they mature into women.
In similar manner, the Nigerian Youth Union (NYU) in a statement signed by its National President, Chinonso Obasi called for empowerment of the girl child, noting the theme for this year’s celebration, “Girls’ Vision for the Future” captures the urgent desire of every Nigerian Girl child.
“The future of the Nigerian girl child requires a general overhaul by relevant stakeholders through empowerment. Empowering a girl child goes beyond providing three square meals for the child or assisting with palliative measures to cushion the effects of bad governance,” Obasi said.
He stated that education is the cornerstone of empowerment, adding: “In Nigeria, millions of girls remain out of school due to socio-economic barriers, cultural practices, and safety concerns.”
Meanwhile, a study carried out in 18 public secondary schools in Oyo State has revealed that girls have become endangered species, based on identified key challenges impeding girls education in the state.
The study involved about 200 schoolgirls, and critical stakeholders, spanning parents and teachers, as well as school and community leaders, was conducted by a non-governmental organisation, Mentoring Assistance for Youths and Entrepreneurs Initiative (MAYEIN).
Presenting the Insights Report of the study to journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, in commemoration of the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child, the Acting Executive Director of the organisation, Mrs. Ewa Orowale, noted that inadequate infrastructure, insecurity, bullying, as well as sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) have been endangering lives of girls in public secondary schools in the state.
She urged the state government to introduce anti-bullying campaign, mental health awareness and support services for students across all schools.
The report enjoined the state government to also enhance security measures in schools plagued by violence and gang activity, stating, “These security breaches endanger the lives of school girls and affect their attendance and learning outcomes.”
Orowale drew attention to the alarming trends, such as violent clashes, theft, and drug abuse among students, which have been disrupting education and exposing schoolgirls to potential harm.
“Such incidents, she noted, cause panic, forcing students to flee, and increasing the risk of injury or worse.”
Orowale called on the state government to adopt the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) ‘Safe School’ Initiative to secure perimeter fencing of all state schools, “introduce anti-bullying campaigns in schools and provide mental health awareness and support services across schools.
