By Ebriku John Friday
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to commemorate the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child, the Vice Chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abuja Correspondents Chapel, Comrade
Grace Ike, Friday, tasked the government at all levels, well-meaning Nigerians and other stakeholders to join forces and break barriers limiting girls across the country.
Ike who is a journalist and strong human rights activist made the call in a statement signed by herself, where she pointed out the importance of empowering girls to envision and shape the world they want to live in, hence all the bedeviling barriers erected by society, religion, tradition and emotions need to be destroyed, especially, in Nigeria where the girl child is not really given her place and voice but made to be a lesser being in the scheme of things.
She said: “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.”
However, she (Ike) charged women and girls to be more resilient and dogged to challenge challenges they have encountered on their path to greatness.
“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”, she declared.
