As Nigeria join the rest of the world to mark the 2023 international Day of the Girl Child, Advocacy group, ONE Campaign, has called for the empowerment of the girl child as means to ensuring a brighter future for them.
The International Day of the Girl Child is an annual occasion that highlights the importance of gender equality and the challenges that girls around the world face.
Speaking at the event to mark the day in Abuja, Nigeria director at the ONE Campaign, Stanley Achonu, said the theme for this year’s event, “Our time is now, our rights, our future,” is a resounding call to action, adding that it is reminder of the unique challenges that girls face in Nigeria.
“It underscores the urgent need to empower them and safeguard their fundamental human rights. The issues of gender inequality, limited access to education, early marriages, and the grim reality of gender-based violence persist. We must continue our unwavering efforts to break down these barriers and create an environment where every girl can thrive”, he said.
Achonu said “To secure a brighter future for girls, we must equip them to seize economic opportunities that enable self-sufficiency and meaningful contributions to society. The jobs they aspire to and the skills they need to excel in them must be at the forefront of our efforts.”
He added that the focus on preparing young girls for the future through job readiness and skill acquisition was crucial, especially in a country like Nigeria, where female unemployment rate is alarmingly high, and a dearth of decent jobs and sustainable economic opportunities is pushing into the depths of extreme and multidimensional poverty.
Speaking on the pivotal role of economic opportunities, Achonu stressed the significance of providing girls with information about diverse career options and economic prospects, ensuring that their education and skill development align with the ever-evolving job market.
He also called on the government to initiate policy changes that will pave the way for decent jobs and it economic empowerment opportunity for women.
On his part, founder of Africado, Richardson Ojeka, called for collaboration amongst the government, civil society organisations, and other relevant stakeholders, in ensuring the safety and empowerment of the girl child.
