YWCA harps on responsible citizenship for girl- child

TO ensure that the girl-child maximizes her full potential and impact positively on the society, Yes We Can Achieve (YWCA), a non-governmental organization, recently organized a citizenship programme that addressed the rights of the girl-child, civic duties, responsibilities and leadership.

   The programme, which was the regeneration arm of the YWCA, was held at City Hall, Lagos and witnessed over 28 schools (private, public, missionary) drawn across the state in attendance. They were mentored on key elements of being responsible to self, the nation and the world at large.

   According to the chairman, YWCA Lagos branch, Mrs. Folashade Oyeniyi, “the organization is poised to look after girls and women to ensure that life is made easy for them.

   “We are looking at the possibility of raising young girls who will step into our shoes and continue to impact on our society and to arouse in them a sense of responsibility. We are teaching young people to impact on their society. Our focus is making these young girls to be responsible citizens of Nigeria.”

   The committee chairman, YWCA Regeneration, Mrs. Olapeju Sofowora, noted that the aim of the programme was to positively impact on children between ages eight and 15.

 “We believe we can still mold their minds and the impact will be felt in years to come. The girls will in turn impact positively on other young girls. To be a good citizen, you must lead in your home, school, and environment and as a child; you should know your roles and duties.”

  She, however, noted that the programme was in three segments and all prepared the girl-child for a better future. 

   One of the speakers at the event, who is the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Women Trust Fund, Mrs. Ayisha Osori, who spoke on leadership, said there was no age limit to talk about leadership, particularly “when you live in a culture, where age is a factor to determining wisdom and experience. 

   “We are also in a culture where we look down at our young people. We do not allow them to have experiences, value what they think and what they say. So it is in the right context to talk to them about leadership.”

  On her message on elections, she said: “These young children should pester their parents to make sure they are out there fulfilling their civic responsibilities; they are not yet old enough to vote, but old enough to harass the people around them to vote,” she added.