International Girl Child day: UN, UNICEF, NAWOJ task stakeholders on inequalities

The United Nations (UN) has called on government officials, policymakers and stakeholders to make more targeted investments that tackle inequalities experienced by the girl child, engage female influencers across industries in changing and amplifying commitment to raise awareness and address factors that hold back girls.

International Day of the Girl Child (IDG) is observed on October 11 every year. It was first observed on October 11, 2012 by the United Nations.

This year commemorates the 10th anniversary of the Day.

UN made this call on its official website, in commemoration of the anniversary, which has the theme, ‘Our Time is Now – Our Rights, Our Future’.

It added: “Girls around the world continue to face unprecedented challenges to their education, physical and mental wellness and the protections needed for a life without violence. Girls with disabilities face additional barriers to accessing support and services.

“COVID-19 has worsened existing burdens on girls around the world and worn away important gains made over the last decade. The world’s 600 million adolescent girls have shown that, given the skills and opportunities, they can be change makers driving progress in their communities, building back stronger for all including women, boys and men.”

Similarly, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) tasked policymakers and stakeholders on collective investment, attention and action in supporting the leadership of adolescent girls at the forefront of changing efforts, hearing their voices, responding to their request, and nurturing spaces for their inclusion in decision-making.

Also, Nigeria Association of Women Journalist (NAWOJ) called on stakeholders, parents and government to give adequate attention to girls’ education, as well as ensure a secure and favourable environment for their learning.

NAWOJ Chairperson (Lagos State chapter), Adeola Ekine, urged mothers to pay attention to their girl child, teach them to develop ability to think critically and ensure they have equal participation in decision making, either within the family or at the community level.