By Muhammad Amaan
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reiterated the roles of the girl-child in attaining global goals and objectives.
Chief of the UNICEF Field Office for South-West, Nigeria, Celine Lafoucriere said this in a statement released to celebrate the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child.
The 2024 International Day of the Girl Child has the theme: “Girls’, Vision for the Future.”
She explained that stakeholders including the media must be ready to step up advocacy in giving voices for every girl child and ensuring the protection of their rights.
She lamented that girls were being prevented from achieving their potential in the society, noting that “being a girl should not determine what you can do, where you can go, or who you can become.”
“As you well know, October 11 is a key global moment to celebrate girls and amplify their voices, actions, and leadership.
“The day also belongs to everyone who cares about girls and taking action to advocate for the full spectrum of girls’ rights.
“This year’s theme ‘Girls’ Vision for the Future” is apt. It reflects the findings from a UNICEF analysis, which shows that girls are not only courageous in the face of challenges but hopeful for the future.
“We see girls taking action every day to realise the vision of a world where all girls are protected, respected, and empowered.
“Why girls’ rights – you may ask? My response is that being a girl shouldn’t determine what you can do, where you can go, or who you can become.
“Too many are being left behind, confronted by extreme challenges that deny them their rights, restrict their choices, and limit their futures,” she said.
Lafoucriere who decried the high rate of child marriage, called for urgent action to address it and protect the young girls.
She added that “nearly one in four partnered/married adolescent girls have experienced sexual or physical abuse.
“Globally, 75 per cent of new HIV infections among adolescents occur in girls
“One in three adolescent girls suffer from anaemia, which is a form of malnutrition,” she said.
She urged government and other stakeholders to support girls with the right resources and opportunities saying their potentials is limitless.
