By Gloria Josiah and Sharon Akuboh
The Theme for this year’s International Day of the Girl Child is ” Girls Vision, for the Future” is timely, coming at a time where several scores of girls have fallen victim to all manners of domestic and sexual abuse calls for action. “Today, we join the world in celebrating the International Day of the Girl Child, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) FCT reaffirms our commitment to amplifying the voices of girls and advocating for their rights. This year’s theme, resonates deeply with our mission to ensure that every girl has the platform, opportunities, and protection to reach her full potentials”.
The Chairperson, NAWOJ FCT, Comrade Bassey ita ikpang, stated that “Girls represent the future of our society, yet, many face barriers such as gender inequality, limited access to education, child marriage, and violence. These obstacles she notes hinder their potential and deprive the world of the invaluable contributions they can make”.
The Chairperson declares that “NAWOJ FCT stands firmly against these injustices and calls for collective action to end all forms of discrimination and violence against girls”.
“At NAWOJ FCT, we believe strongly, that girls should not only be seen but heard. Their voices must shape our policies, influence our leaders, and drive our communities toward a more equal and just future.”
“It is essential to create safe spaces where girls can express their ideas, share their challenges, and be empowered to lead.”
As we commemorate this day, we urge governments, civil society, and all stakeholders to prioritise the protection and empowerment of girls. Together, we can build a future where girls have the same opportunities as boys—where their voices contribute to decisions that affect their lives, and their aspirations are nurtured and supported.
In conclusion Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang “called on all stakeholders, to listen to our girls, invest in their education, and champion their Rights. Only by doing so can we achieve the equal future we envision—a future where every girl’s voice contributes to the betterment of society”.