Girl child education key to equitable future – Obiorah

As the world observes the International Day of the Girl Child, the Director at United Nations POLAC and Founder of Hope Aglow Charity Foundation, Ambassador Cynthia Obiorah, has underscored the need for leaders to invest in girls’ education and empowerment initiatives.

She also called on leaders to take concrete steps to eliminate child marriage.

Speaking at Ferdeta International School in Port Harcourt, Rivers State to commemorate this year’s International Day of the Girl Child, Amb Obiorah who doubles as an Associate Professor of Occupational Health Safety and Environment, stressed the need for collective commitment towards empowering girls, amplifying their voices and addressing harmful gender stereotypes.

Observed annually on 11 October and declared by the United Nations, the International Day of the Girl Child raises awareness of issues facing girls internationally such as education, nutrition, forced child marriage, legal rights, and medical rights.

Obiorah noted that investing in adolescent girls is crucial for creating a brighter, more equitable future, stressing that by empowering girls, we ensure their rights are protected today and unlock their potential to become equal partners in tackling global challenges.

“Girls like Malala Yousafzai (known for her bravery), Greta Thunberg (climate activist) and few others are breaking boundaries and barriers posed by stereotypes and exclusion mainly caused by culture, religion, especially in the Third World countries,” she said.

While highlighting some of the challenges being faced by girl child, Obiorah called for attitudinal change towards addressing the menace.

She explained that despite progress, girls continue to face limited access to education, forced marriages, child labour, gender-based violence and discrimination among others.

While calling on government at all levels to enact policies protecting girls’ rights, she tasked community leaders to support girls’ education, and empowerment programnes and halt girl-child marriage.

Earlier in her welcome remarks, the Head of Ferdeta International School, Uyai Umuokoro commended the commitment of UN POLAC and Aglow Foundation for timely intervention and pledged their continued commitment in advocating for the protection of girls and boys right.