International Day of Girl: AHF takes awareness campaign to Keffi

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria said it will commemorate International Day of the Girl (IDG) 2024 with a special event at Keffi, Nasarawa state on Monday, October 14.

It said the event will amplify the voices and visions of girls and young women while advocating for comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) and supportive policies around Gender based Violence (GBV). IDG is observed annually on Oct. 11.

AHF in a statement issued yesterday said advocates will address issues around gender-based violence, menstrual health management and age-appropriate comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) and reinforce the importance of girls staying in school, avoiding unplanned pregnancy, building life skills, and other vital issues affecting their health.

“AHF Nigeria’s International Day of the Girl event will bring together out-of-school girls from Garaku, Sabongida and Jigwada to join students from high schools in Keffi in a public ceremony to commemorate the day of the Girl. Earlier on, we have brought together peer leaders from these communities for a pre-event orientation on GBV, menstrual health and building life skills.

“AHF Nigeria shall be joined by officials of the Nasarawa state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Nasarawa state Ministry of Education, Nasarawa State Agency for the Control of AIDS, Keffi Area Council, civil society groups and the media.  

“There would be an educative session on GBV and menstrual health management with free distribution of sanitary pads with traditional dancers on hand to provide entertainment.

“In Abuja and Benue, AHF Girls Act members shall be involved in community advocacies to commemorate the Day of the Girl and shall host a virtual session to look at the challenges facing our girls with a dedicated podcast also reviewing this issues.”

“The unique way to empower our girls, today, is for us as a people to commit to breaking down gender stereotypes which drives the violence women and girls go through in our society. For a start, we must ensure we expand the access that girls have to education, provide comprehensive healthcare, empower them economically, and ensure that girls have a voice and a sit at the table where decisions about their wellbeing are being made” said Dr. Echey Ijezie, AHF Nigeria Country Program Director.

Girls and young women worldwide face significant barriers to education, employment, and healthcare. According to UNICEF, 75% of new HIV infections among adolescents occur in girls, and nearly one-in-four partnered or married adolescent girls have experienced sexual or physical abuse. IDG events promoting comprehensive sexuality education and gender equality raise awareness and help girls live healthier, empowered lives.