U.S. Consulate celebrates International Day of the Girl Child

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A cross-section of some Academy for Women Entrepreneurs alumnae at the event in Lagos.

A cross-section of schoolgirls at the U.S. Consulate International Day of the Girl Child event in Lagos.

U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Officer Joe Kruzich with some schoolgirls at the U.S. Consulate International Day of the Girl Child event in Lagos.

U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Officer Joe Kruzich delivering remarks at the event.

The International Day of the Girl Child focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights.

The event with the theme, “Our time is now, our right, our future,” provided the high school girls the opportunity to learn about emotional intelligence, how they can harness their skills, and identify career choices and opportunities to study in U.S. colleges and universities.

Delivering remarks at the event, which was held in Lagos, U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Officer Joe Kruzich said the U.S. government works closely with partners and civil society organizations to help girl children live free from gender-based violence, learn new skills, and become future leaders.

“To achieve our collective goal of creating a peaceful and prosperous world, we must help ensure all girls are educated, healthy, and safe so they can participate fully in the social, economic, political, and cultural life of their communities,” Kruzich said.

He described the variety of U.S. government programs such as TechGirls, TechWomen and Academy for Women Entrepreneurs that prioritize and empower girls and young women so they can thrive and succeed and make a long-lasting positive impact on their own future.

Kruzich noted that girls and women’s empowerment and integration are key to Nigeria’s long-term economic development. “Societies in which girls are enabled to be full and free participants are safer, more secure, and more prosperous,” he added.

He lauded the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Alumnae Association of Nigeria for their commitment to supporting the next generation of girls and women by connecting them with networks and opportunities needed to advance their careers and dreams in diverse fields.

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