To mark the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11th, the office of the All Progressives Congress, APC, National Women Leader contributes to the international awareness campaign focusing on the specific difficulties girls face and advocates for enhanced support and empowerment of the girl-child in Nigeria and globally.
This UN-sanctioned annual observance prioritizes promoting girls’ rights and highlighting the pervasive gender inequalities that disproportionately affect millions of girls worldwide, encompassing issues related to educational access, healthcare, equal opportunities, and protection from violence and exploitation, all of which hinder girls’ progress and potential across various global regions.
The APC National Women Leader has issued a statement expressing profound concern regarding the persistent challenges faced by girls in Nigeria, particularly in areas plagued by child marriage, gender-based violence, and limited access to quality education.
Similar to other nations, Nigeria grapples with deep-seated systemic barriers that preclude girls from realizing their potential. Despite progress in expanding educational access, empirical data shows girls remain more susceptible to dropping out of school due to early marriage, poverty, and societal pressures. Moreover, rural girls often lack access to basic sanitary essentials, resulting in absenteeism and diminished academic outcomes.
The APC Women’s Wing advocates for enhanced collaboration between the government and private sectors to fortify policies promoting girl-child education and healthcare. They also emphasize the importance of Nigerian parents and guardians prioritizing their daughters’ education, recognizing it as a pivotal tool to combat poverty and inequality.
The APC National Women Leader emphasized the imperative of enforcing laws that safeguard girls from violence and exploitation, noting that achieving gender equality in Nigeria requires a concerted effort. She commended the dedication of non-governmental organizations and community groups to girls’ rights advocacy, while highlighting the necessity for robust national-level action.
In marking this special day, the APC Women’s Wing reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for policies that address gender disparities, empower the girl-child, and create safe spaces for young girls to thrive.
The group also promised to support initiatives that promote girls’ leadership and representation in all sectors of society, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to national development.
“On this International Day of the Girl Child, we must remind ourselves that every girl deserves a life of dignity, opportunity, and equality. It is not enough to simply acknowledge the issues; we must act. The APC stands firm in its resolve to uplift every Nigerian girl, ensuring that they have the resources and opportunities to fulfill their dreams,” the National Women Leader concluded.
Let today be a reminder that the future of Nigeria lies in the hands of empowered girls. By championing their rights and addressing the barriers they face, we can build a stronger, more equitable society for all.
