To mark the 2023 International Day of the Girl Child (IDGC), AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria is set to organize an event to highlight the unique challenges girls and young women face in their daily lives.
The event under the theme “Amplify Her Voice,” will hold in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state and Waru community in Abuja FCT on October 11, 2023. International Day of the Girl Child (IDGC) is observed annually on October 11.
The objective of the event according to the Foundation is to empower girls to take control of their lives and health and to urge government leaders to promote programs and policies that create equality for young women and girls.
In a press statement made available to LEADERSHIP by AHF Advocacy & Marketing Manager, Steve Aborisade said the “Amplify Her Voice” event will include a lecture and interactive conversation about how young girls and boys can best guarantee their wellbeing through responsible behaviors, building leadership and life skills and strategies to staying focused on life goals.
He said participating schools shall converge at Community Secondary School, Aka, Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital, where government officials, head of agencies and the media shall be present in commemorating the 2023 IDGC.
“Also in Abuja, AHF Nigeria Girls Act, in collaboration with the Waru advocacy club shall converge at Victory of God International School, with Waru based out-of-school girls and students from adjoining schools to commemorate the IDGC.
“At both events, in Uyo and Waru, AHF Nigeria shall distribute free sanitary pads to girls as is our culture to promote safer menstrual health management and in reinforcing the advocacy for improved access to sanitary pads for girls, especially those from indigent homes.”
In the statement, AHF Nigeria Country Program Director, Dr Echey Ijezie said “AHF’s consistency in commemorating the IDGC is predicated upon the need to bring awareness to the challenges young women and girls face, including unequal access to employment and education opportunities, as well as increased barriers to healthcare compared to their male counterparts.
Also at the programme, Advocates will address menstrual health management, age-appropriate comprehensive sexual education, and reinforce the importance of girls staying in school, avoiding unplanned pregnancy, building life skills, and other vital issues affecting their health.
The International Day of the Girl Child celebrates girls and allows advocates to draw attention to the many challenges the girl child must overcome – girls and young women worldwide account for over 50% of all people living with HIV. They are also among the more than 500 million people enduring period poverty, including harmful stigma and inadequate access to hygiene products and proper facilities that hinder their success.
