October 11 every year, the International Day of The Girl Child shines a light of hope in a world that seems shrouded in darkness. This day celebrates every female, big and small, and highlights the importance of promoting gender equality and empowering girls.
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Pauline Aimi Okoeguale, a certified counsellor, emotional intelligence coach, and the Founder of the T.A.L.K (Teach-Aid-Love-Kindle) Initiative, is one exceptional individual who has dedicated her life to this cause.
Her courageous story serves as a beacon of hope and unwavering determination, showing that the girl child can rise above adversity and become a powerful force for positive change.
However, the challenges faced by girls are still significant. Child marriage, female genital mutilation, limited access to education, and other disparities and inequalities persist. This day prompts discussions and educates people about these issues, and encourages a shift in societal attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate discrimination and inequality.
Reiterating on some of the challenges faced by the girl child, the United Nations states that 100 million girls were already at risk of getting married as children during the 10 years before COVID-19 outbreak. The COVID-19 epidemic will put up to 10 million additional females in danger of getting married and having children over the course of the next 10 years.
As a certified counsellor, Pauline understands the importance of raising awareness about the challenges girls face. “Raising awareness is a crucial step in creating change. It’s the first step in education and advocacy. We must draw attention to the disparities and inequalities that persist. This day prompts discussions and educates people about the challenges girls face, such as child marriage, female genital mutilation, and limited access to education,” she says.
According to the UN, in low-income nations, the percentage of teenage girls and young women who do not use the Internet is about 90 per cent, compared to their male contemporaries, who are twice as likely to be online. It also captures that in comparison to males their age, girls aged five to 14 worldwide devote 160 million more hours every day to unpaid care and household duties.
However, there is light at the end of the tunnel with inspirations like Pauline, as more than 1.1 billion females in the world today are prepared to face the future. Girls are breaking down barriers every day, taking on problems like child marriage, unequal access to healthcare, abuse, and climate justice. Girls are demonstrating their invincibility.
Pauline emphasises the role such a day plays in challenging harmful gender stereotypes. “This day encourages a shift in societal attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate discrimination and inequality. We need to challenge stereotypes and norms that limit the potential of girls,” she explains.
A Journey Of Healing, Transformation
Pauline’s journey towards becoming a champion for girl’s rights and empowerment began on a not-so-rosy note, dealing with her own personal struggles. For eight long years, she battled with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) owing to repeated sexual abuse experiences during her childhood. Rather than succumb to the weight of her traumatic past, Pauline found strength in her pain, embarking on a mission to help others find healing. She notes: “Individuals and communities can actively participate in and support the International Day of the Girl Child by taking a variety of actions to raise awareness, promote girls’ rights, and contribute to gender equality.”
Pauline highlights that through self-education, raising awareness, contributing to the organisation, advocating for policy change, mentorships and a host of other options the, girl child is bound to thrive in her adversities.
In 2018, Pauline established the T.A.L.K Initiative, a non-profit organisation with a vision to provide a supportive recovery framework for victims and survivors of sexual abuse in Nigeria and beyond. Her organisation focuses on helping those who have experienced unimaginable trauma find their path to recovery and self-empowerment.
A Commitment To Education, Expertise
Pauline’s dedication to her cause is evident in her commitment to personal growth and professional development. Over the past three years, she has earned advanced certifications in mental health, addiction handling, social psychiatry, and motivational interviewing. She has also become a certified Emotional Intelligence coach and an expert in anger management.
Pauline believes that being armed educationally paves a path for gender equality. Her words: “Gender equality and the empowerment of girls are closely linked to achieving sustainable development. When girls are educated, healthy, and have opportunities, societies tend to be more prosperous and stable.”
In 2020, Pauline obtained a diploma in Psychotherapy and Counselling and completed advanced training as a counsellor with the Attitude Development International Counselling School. As a living example of empowerment, Pauline regards it as true that girls’ empowerment is key to breaking the cycle of poverty and building stronger communities.
According to the lady, “empowered girls are more likely to break the cycle of poverty, become leaders in their communities, and contribute to social and economic development. This day encourages girls to recognise their potential and pursue their dreams, regardless of societal barriers.”
Leading The Way For Survivors
As the lead volunteer at T.A.L.K, Pauline has been instrumental in creating a safe space for survivors of sexual abuse through the “Abused Anonymous” support group meetings held monthly since September 2020. In 2021, she led a dynamic team in organising the first-ever T.A.L.K Conference in Abuja, which saw nearly 200 participants gather to address and discuss issues surrounding sexual abuse and healing. The organisation has also sponsored 52 free therapy sessions independently and in partnership with other professionals and organisations.
Pauline used what burned her like wildfire to birth ‘The Recovery Guide,’ a 30-day guide designed to kickstart the healing journey for sexual abuse victims and survivors.
A Beacon of Hope
Her journey from trauma to triumph has been a source of inspiration for countless others who have faced adversity.
Pauline Okoeguale’s remarkable journey from trauma to triumph is an inspiration for countless other girl children who have faced adversities of varying kinds. From being a survivor to counsellor, advocate, and leader this is a sheer testament to the resilience and potential of the girl child.
She has since become an ardent spokesperson for girls and women, a strategic thinker, and a proactive leader. Through her work, Pauline exemplifies the belief that any woman can survive and thrive beyond her worst traumatic experiences. She embodies the spirit of the International Day of the Girl Child, which seeks to empower girls, challenge stereotypes, and promote gender equality. The day that serves as a reminder that, despite the challenges they face, girls have the power to transform the world.
Pauline’s commitment to empowering the girl child goes beyond words. Pauline’s journey is a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit. Her work embodies the essence of the International Day of the Girl Child. It’s a day highlighting the unique challenges girls face and the importance of promoting their rights and well-being. As she reflects on the significance of this day, Pauline shares her insights, “The International Day of the Girl Child is a powerful platform to advocate for gender equality and girls’ rights. It’s a reminder that girls’ rights are human rights. We must focus on issues like access to quality education, healthcare, protection from discrimination and violence, and opportunities for personal and social development. Empowered girls grow up to be empowered women.”
On a final note Pauline affirms that “while there has been progress in advancing the rights and opportunities for girls, there are still formidable challenges to overcome. Efforts must continue to address these challenges, including the eradication of gender-based violence, the promotion of equitable access to education, and the transformation of societal norms that discriminate against girls. International cooperation, advocacy, and the empowerment of girls themselves are essential to making further progress in ensuring the well-being and rights of girls worldwide.”
The International Day of the Girl Child, with advocates like Pauline Aimi Okoeguale, is not just a day on the calendar. It’s a beacon of hope, a call to action, and a celebration of the incredible potential that resides in every girl. Through advocacy, empowerment, and awareness, we can collectively work towards a world where every girl can thrive, fulfil her potential, and contribute to a more equitable and just society.
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