The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has advocated protection of girls’ rights across the globe.
UNICEF’s Chief of the Field Office for South-West Nigeria, Celine Lafoucriere,
who spoke as Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark this year’s International Day of the Girl Child on Friday stressed the importance of empowering the girl child as well as ensuring their protection, respect and equal opportunities.
This year’s commemoration themed: “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” reflects the findings of a UNICEF analysis that highlights the resilience and hopefulness of girls despite the challenges they face.
Lafoucriere stressed that being a girl should not determine one’s future.
She, however, lamented that millions of girls across the globe were being denied their rights, restricted in their choices, and limited in their potential.
The UNICEF Chief who also disclosed alarming statistics, noted that one in five young women aged 20-24 were married as children.
She added that one in four partnered/married adolescent girls had experienced sexual or physical abuse.
“Globally, 75 per cent of new HIV infections among adolescents occur in girls. One in three adolescent girls suffers from anaemia, which is a form of malnutrition. Almost double the number of adolescent girls (one in four) compared to boys is not in any form of education, employment, or training.”
She therefore stressed that change was possible.
“Girls alone cannot bring about the desired change. They need allies who listen to and respond to their needs – like you and me. Together; we can build a future in which every girl’s rights are protected.
“Evidence shows that with the right support, resources, and opportunities, the potential of girls around the world is limitless. When girls achieve their goals, we all move closer to achieving our global goals,” Lafoucriere said.
She added that with the right support, resources and opportunities, girls stood the chances of achieving their full potentials and could contribute to a more equitable world.
She called on individuals, organisations, and governments to support girls and take action to protect their rights, promote their education and empower them to achieve their goals.
“By investing in girls, we invest in a brighter future for all,” Lafoucriere noted.
According to her, this year’s theme: ‘Girls’ Vision for the Future” was strategic as 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 realize the vision of a world where all girls are protected, respected and empowered.
“Being a girl shouldn’t determine what you can do, where you can go, or who you can become. But right now, that is the reality for millions of girls across the world. Too many are being left behind, confronted by extreme challenges that deny them their rights, restrict their choices and limit their futures.”
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