By Stanley Onyekwere
The Connected Development (CODE), a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), has called on government at all levels to prioritise education, protection, and social justice for the girl child.
The NGO made the call yesterday in a statement in Abuja, in commemoration of the 2023 International Day for the Girl Child.
Chief Executive Officer of the NGO, Mr. Hamzat Lawal, an education champion of Malala Fund, also called on social society organisations and individuals to partner with relevant government agencies to promote the educational, protection, leadership and general wellbeing of the girl child.
He said prioritising girls’ education would ensure that every girl has access to quality education in a safe environment, free from fear and violence.
He also stressed the need to strengthen efforts towards protecting girls in conflict-affected areas, including support for their physical and psychological recovery.
He further called on stakeholders to encourage and support girls’ and women’s participation in leadership and decision-making roles, to foster a more equitable society.
The chief executive further advocated for policy changes that advance girls’ rights, gender equality, and social justice.
According to hom, “On this International Day for the Girl-Child, let us pledge to invest in girls’ rights, recognising their inherent leadership potential and acknowledging that their well-being is intertwined with the well-being of our communities and nations.
“The theme for this year’s International Day for the Girl-Child, “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being.
“It is a poignant reminder of the challenges girls face, especially in regions like Nigeria, where their dreams are often threatened by the harsh realities of our world.
“Together, we can create a world where every girl’s dreams are nurtured, where her voice is heard, and where her future is filled with promise and opportunity”.
He pointed out that recent incidents of kidnappings of girls from schools in the country were very disturbing.
He added that the heinous acts not only violate the basic right to education but also inflict lasting emotional scars on the girls and their communities.
“As a member of Malala Fund Education Champion Network, CODE reaffirms its commitment to championing the rights of girls and women.
“The plight of girls in Nigeria reflects broader challenges faced by girls worldwide, including gender-based violence, armed conflict, and limited access to quality education.
“Girls are disproportionately affected by the impacts of conflict and crisis, facing heightened risks of abuse, exploitation, and displacement,” Lawal Added.
He further noted the underrepresentation of women and girls in political leadership roles remains a stark reality.
He argued women’s voices were essential in shaping policies that promote gender equality, justice, and social progress.
“It is our collective responsibility to dismantle the barriers that hinder their participation and empowerment,” he said.
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