By Lizzy Carr
UNFPA Executive Director, Dr Natalia Kanem has said every girl child has a vision of what her life will bring, that dream needs to be supported and protected as she makes her journey from adolescent to adulthood.
The UNFPA Executive was speaking on the occasion commemorating the International Day of the Girl Child 2024 held at Government Girls College Bauchi.
Represented by the Gender and Reproductive Health Analyst, Deborah Tabara, the Executive Director said adolescent girls have a vision for a better future and so the society needs to stand with them and not on their way.
“The gradual transition to adulthood is ended abruptly as early pregnancy and gender-based violence, including child marriage deprive them of their fundamental rights and choices “.
Kanem noted that last month World leaders signed a global pact and made commitments to dismantle gender inequality and address the violations it fuels which acts as brakes on girls aspirations.
” When adolescent girls girls are healthy, educated and empowered with skills and opportunities to shape a bright future ,they and their children will have greater chances of a better life.
On this day let’s work to eliminate all barriers that keep adolescent girls from reaching full potential and heed their call for the freedom to live in peace and have chances for a better life”.
During the mentorship session on overcoming barriers to achieve your vision, Asamau Yahaya who is living with disability told the girls to be determined in having a brighter future.
Director General Bauchi State office of the Sustainable Development Goals Lydia Shehu shared inspiring words using personal stories of overcoming challenges related to gender-based violence.
Some of the girls from five secondary schools shared their vision for a future free from violence and oppression.
The International Day of the Girl Child with team Girls Vision for the Future was organized by the Bauchi State Ministry of Education, IKRA Foundation for Youths Development with support from the United Nations Fund for Population UNFPA.