International Girl-Child Day: Experts seek end to gender inequality

Group wants Child Right Act implemented
Stakeholders in the education sector have stressed the need to end the gender inequality gap that is limiting the potential of a girl-child in the society.

A Primary School teacher at Blooming Greens School, AanuOluwapo Olawole, who spoke, at the weekend, during an interaction with journalists, to mark this year’s International Girl-Child Day, stressed that it is crucial for the society to unite and eliminate challenges facing the girl-child, affirming that the girls have voices and vision that can make the country better.

Olawole said that to end gender inequality, the girl-child must be given proper and equal access to education.

She also emphasised that when it comes to education, girls should not be seen as an inferior gender, adding that a lot of awareness needs to be done in formal education to promote gender equality across the country.

Olawole, who recently won the 2024 Best Primary School Teacher for Approved Private Schools in Nigeria, attributed the success to the enabling environment and her commitment to child’s learning.

Earlier, in her remarks, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the school, Susan Yamah, who emphasised the role education plays in the development of a girl-child, said that for teachers to impart quality education to their students, they must be given the right tools and resources needed to deliver excellence learning.

She, however, advised the government to take proactive measures in regulating private schools, noting that the majority of the private schools operate with no commitment to elevate the standards of education among the students.

ALSO, a group, the Inclusion Project (TIP), has called for the implementation of the Child Rights Act to empower the girl-child.

It also urged governments, communities, and stakeholders to intensify efforts toward eliminating the barriers that hinder girls’ access to education and to reject all forms of societal obstacles that threaten the future of the girl-child.

The group said that for girls to thrive and shape their future, access to quality education must be guaranteed and free from all forms of human rights abuses.

TIP Director, Pamela Okoroigwe, said: “Unfortunately, many girls in Nigeria continue to face numerous barriers and are limited by harmful cultural norms, gender-based violence, lack of resources, early marriage, child trafficking, and other factors that restrict their opportunities. These barriers hinder their access to education and prevent them from realising their full potential.

“We believe that girls have the power to shape their future and that, given the opportunity, they will lead the way in transforming societies. Our commitment to supporting girls goes beyond promoting access to quality education; it involves equipping them with the skills, resources, and confidence to detect, defend themselves, and challenge injustice and discrimination.”

The group, while reaffirming its commitment to promoting gender equality and advocating for girls’ rights in Nigeria, said that it had empowered girls to dream beyond societal limitations and encouraged them to pursue careers in various sectors.