International Federation of Women Lawyers Association, FIDA, Imo State chapter, has urged government at all levels to put in place measures that would further guarantee adequate protection of girl-child rights.
FIDA also stressed the need for the formulation of policies and laws that would give every girl-child unrestricted access to quality and quantitative education as well as health care services.
The association’s chairperson, Ndidi Anike made the call at the event making the 2022 International Day for Girl-child, held yesterday.
Addressing the students of Owerri City Schools on the significance of the day, she said, “The urgent need to tackle the prevalence of domestic violence, child marriage, inequality among other forms of girl-child abuses cannot be overemphasized.”
She said, “Aside the expectations from the government, other stakeholders including the teachers, parents and guardians should join hand with efforts to guarantee the safety, freedom and adequate development of the girl-child.”
On domestic violence, the vice chairperson of association, Dr Chizo Okpara of the Abia State University, urged the students to speak up against acts that affect their physical and psychological health and general well-being.
According to her, Imo FIDA was committed to assisting women and children who are victims of domestic violence and abuses to get justice.
She said the association would partner with all the schools’ management in the state to ensure that cases of unjust treatments meted on any of the students were adequately reported for onward prosecution of the culprits.
In her vote of thanks, principal of the school, Mrs Georgy Ahuaka, appreciated the Imo Team which included Mrs Chinyere Iwunna, Mrs Nancy Nwabia, Mrs Lilian Ugo Anyanwu and Ogechi Nwadialo, for the visit and promised to continue to champion the general well-being of the school community.