TUC urges government to focus on girl child education

The Women Commission of The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has charged the federal and state governments to take measures that will lead to higher enrolment of girls in schools across the country.

Speaking yesterday at a rally held to mark this year’s International Day of the Girl Child in Abuja, Chairperson of the TUC Women Commission, Hafsatu Shuaibu said the girl child should have a right to free quality education and free health care services in order to be positioned to compete and occupy positions of decision-making without being harassed.

According to her, this year’s theme, ‘With Her: A Skilled Girl Force’ symbolizes what the TUC women commission has been canvassing for the girl child, which includes training in various skills. Shuaibu explained that the rally, which kicked off at the Unity Fountain Abuja, is to sensitize residents and Nigerians of the important place of the girl child. She urged the Federal Government to intensify rescue efforts of girls who are still in kidnapper’s den.

President of the TUC, Quadri Olaleye said the message TUC is giving out to parents and the government is that girl-child must be supported and be treated equally as their male counterparts. “Government needs to do more on security, especially protecting schools that are dominated by girls. We have to treat them equally, support them in education and also support them morally. Government at all levels and parents must focus and channel more resources on girl child training. The injustice against the Girl Child must stop immediately.”