Stakeholders urged to improve access to education, justice for girls

Stakeholders especially policy-makers at all levels of government are admonished to ensure improved access to education, social protection, and justice for the girl child.
Also, stakeholders are urged to encourage and support girls’ and women’s participation in leadership and decision-making roles, to foster a more equitable society.
This call was made by Chief Executive Officer of the Connected Development (CODE), a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), Mr. Hamzat Lawal, in a statement in Abuja.
Lawal, an education champion of Malala Fund, equally enjoined social organisations and individuals to partner with relevant government agencies to promote the educational, protection, leadership and general wellbeing of the girl child.
prioritising girls’ education would ensure that every girl has access to quality education in a safe environment, free from fear and violence.
He also noted the need to boost efforts towards protecting girls in conflict-affected areas, including support for their physical and psychological recovery.
Furthermore, he advocated for policy changes that advance girls’ rights, gender equality, and social justice.
He said: “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.
“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.
“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 further noted the underrepresentation of women and girls in political leadership roles remains a stark reality, even as he stressed that women’s voices were essential in shaping policies that promote gender equality, justice, and social progress.
This, according to him, takes collective responsibility to dismantle the barriers that hinder their participation and empowerment in the society.