Release Date: October 11, 2024
The Inclusion Project (TIP) joins the rest of the world to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child with the theme “Girls’ Vision for the Future” and reaffirms its commitment to promoting gender equality and advocating for girls’ rights in Nigeria.
For girls to thrive and shape their future, access to quality education must be guaranteed and free from all forms of human rights abuses. Unfortunately, many girls across Nigeria continue to face numerous barriers and are limited by harmful cultural norms, gender-based violence, lack of resources, early marriage, child trafficking, and other factors that restrict their opportunities. These barriers hinder their access to education and prevent them from realizing their full potential.
At TIP, we believe that girls have the power to shape their future and that, given the opportunity, they will lead the way in transforming societies. Our commitment to supporting girls goes beyond promoting access to quality education; it involves equipping them with the skills, resources, and confidence to detect, defend themselves, and challenge injustice and discrimination.
As we celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child, we are reminded of the many girls across the country who have benefited from TIP’s work. From raising awareness of girls’ rights to providing practical resources and mentorship, we have empowered girls to dream beyond societal limitations and encouraged them to pursue careers in various sectors.
To mark the International Day of the Girl Child, TIP demonstrated its belief in providing a platform and voice for the girl child under its slogan- “My Voice Matters,” by having some of its beneficiaries visit radio stations in Kano, Imo, and Lagos State. They highlighted some barriers that hinder their full development and access to quality basic education through their lens. They also discussed their aspirations and goals for the future and challenged the government on the need to support girls to achieve their full potential. This experience afforded the girls a unique opportunity to amplify their voices, improve their confidence, and know that their voices matter. It also offered a platform for girls to share their visions for a better tomorrow while sending a message of hope to other girls across Nigeria. The girls were hosted by Impact General Radio in Imo State, Express Radio in Kano, and Top Radio in Lagos.
TIP calls on governments, communities, and stakeholders to intensify efforts toward eliminating the barriers that hinder girls’ access to education and to reject all forms of societal obstacles that threaten the future of the girl child. We urge all states to ensure the full implementation of the Child’s Rights Act to empower the girl child.
Signed
Pamela Okoroigwe.
TIP Director