The Vice Chairman, NUJ Abuja Correspondents Chapel, has brought to fore the challenges currently being faced by the ‘girl child’ in Nigeria.
In a statement to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child which comes up on October 11, 2024, Comrade Ike charged the Nigerian government and other stakeholders to take concrete steps to address the systemic challenges girls face.
The Statement Reads:
Today, we join the global community in commemorating the International Day of the Girl Child, a day set aside to recognise the unique challenges faced by girls worldwide and to promote their rights and well-being. This year’s theme, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” highlights the importance of empowering girls to envision and shape the world they want to live in. It reminds us that the future belongs to those who dare to dream and take action to make those dreams a reality.
According to Comrade Ike, “in Nigeria, this day holds special significance as we reflect on the vital role girls play in shaping our nation’s future. Their education, health, and protection are key to building a prosperous society. Yet, many Nigerian girls face significant barriers—limited access to education, child marriage, gender-based violence, and discrimination—that prevent them from realising their vision for a brighter future”.
On this day, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing the rights of girls in Nigeria, especially by supporting their aspirations and dreams. We call upon government bodies, civil society, the private sector, and all citizens to take concrete steps to address the systemic challenges girls face. Together, we must work to:
Ensure Quality Education: Every girl deserves the opportunity to receive a quality education. By investing in their education, we enable them to imagine and create the future they envision for themselves and their communities.
Protect Girls from Violence and Exploitation: We must intensify efforts to eliminate all forms of violence against girls, including child marriage, sexual abuse, and trafficking. A safe and secure environment is crucial for girls to pursue their dreams without fear.
Promote Health and Well-being: We must invest in the health and well-being of Nigerian girls, ensuring access to quality healthcare, menstrual hygiene management, and sexual and reproductive health services. Healthy girls can fully engage with their vision for the future.
Challenge Gender Norms and Empower Girls: Nigerian girls must be empowered to participate in decision-making processes at all levels of society. We must dismantle the societal norms that limit their opportunities and provide mentorship and platforms where they can express their vision for the future with confidence.
On this International Day of the Girl Child, let us celebrate the strength, resilience, and potential of every Nigerian girl. They are not just the leaders of tomorrow but the architects of the future they envision today. By standing together, we can support their dreams and create a world where every girl’s vision for the future becomes a reality.
“Together, we can build a brighter future for Nigerian girls and for our nation”, Grace Ike declared.
Signed:
Comrade Grace Ike
Vice Chairman
NUJ Abuja Correspondents Chapel
