*** Says, there are over six million out of school girls in Nigeria:
From Abel Daniel, Lafia
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world in marking the 2022 International Day of the Girl (IDG) today, the Nigerian Association of Women Journalist, NAWOJ has called on governments to invest more in the girl child education.
The association appealed to the governments to increase awareness for gender inequality faced by girls around the world.
NAWOJ spoke through a press statement issued by Comrade Helen Udofa, National Secretary in celebration of 2022 International Day of the Girl.
“This year’s celebration is unique in the sense that it marks the 10th anniversary of the International Day of the Girl (IDG)
“There is therefore no doubt that in the last 10 years, the attention on issues that matter to girls have increased among governments, policymakers and the public generally, in addition to more opportunities for girls to have their voices heard at the global stage.
“However, investments in girls’ rights remain limited as they continue to confront challenges of fulfilling their potentials.
“These are further worsened by concurrent crises of climate change, COVID-19 pandemic, humanitarian issues and insecurity.
“While girls around the world continue to face unprecedented challenges in their education, their physical and mental wellness, and the protections needed for a life without violence have become desirous.
“This year’s theme: ‘Our time is now – Our rights, Our future,’ underscores the fact that the world’s 600 million adolescent girls have shown time and time again that given the skills and the opportunities, they can become the change agents needed to drive progress in their communities, building stronger walls for all, including women, boys and men.
The association noted that in Nigeria, girls continue to face unprecedented challenges to their education, their physical and mental wellness, and the protections needed for a life without violence.
NAWOJ, therefore, called on stakeholders, parents, and government not to relent in giving adequate attention to girls’ education, as well as ensuring a secured and conducive environment for their learning.
“With over six million out of School girls in Nigeria, according to the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), NAWOJ is calling on all Stakeholders to come together and forge a way forward in giving voice to girls’ and find solutions to issues affecting the girl child in Nigeria.
“On this occasion of the International Day of the Girl, we push for our girls to be given the opportunity to lead by putting them in the forefront of change efforts.
“Hear their voices; respond to their questions; and welcome them in decision-making spaces. These are ways of investing in a future that believes in girls.