The Kwara State government has identified adequate education and awareness as solutions to the societal exploitation of the girl-child.
The permanent secretary in the state ministry of education and human capital development, Mrs. Olanrewaju Bake, stated this at a conference jointly organised yesterday by a non-governmental organisation, Chidimma and Havilah Foundation, in collaboration with Seeds of Praise Centre for Youth, Women and Children Development Initiative to commemorate the 2014 International Day of Girl- Child held in Ilorin, the state capital.
She listed factors encouraging girls-child exploitation as poverty, gender discrimination, societal and religious limitations and rape among others.
Represented by a director in the ministry, Mrs. Victoria Funmilayo, the permanent secretary outlined the many challenges facing girls worldwide to include poverty, illiteracy, gender discrimination, religious and societal limitations and sexual violence.
To address these challenges, she advocated increased awareness and empowerment of girls through education, economic and social support, and psychological tools.
