The Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT chapter, has renewed its commitment to fighting for the rights and empowerment of girls, urging swift action to address the barriers hindering their potential.
To honour this year’s International Day of the Girl Child, themed “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” NAWOJ FCT Chairperson Bassey Ita Ikpang called for immediate and transformative steps to create a world where girls can truly thrive.
Girls are the architects of tomorrow’s society. Bassey remarked.
Yet, too many are held back by gender inequality, limited access to education, child marriage, and violence. These injustices not only harm the girls but also deprive society of their invaluable contributions.
She emphasizes the urgency of dismantling the systemic barriers that restrict girls’ opportunities and reiterates the call for stronger, actionable policies that would give girls the platform they deserve.
It’s not enough to talk about change. We need to create safe spaces where girls can confidently voice their dreams, share their struggles, and take charge of their future. Only then can we build a society where girls have the same opportunities as boys, and where their voices shape the decisions that impact their lives. she added.
The chairperson, therefore, urged governments, communities, and stakeholders to unite to ensure that girls are equipped to lead and succeed.
This is not just a call for equality, it’s a call for justice. Every girl deserves the chance to rise and contribute to a more just and equal world.
The International Day of the Girl Child serves as a reminder for governments and society to prioritize the protection and empowerment of girls, ensuring that their dreams are nurtured, and their voices are heard.