As Nigeria joined the rest of the world to mark the 2023 International Day of the Girl Child, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Kingdom, and other development partners have re-affirmed their commitments to help girls realize their potential.
The partners insisted that adolescent girls should face no constraints on realizing their full potential. They called on governments and partners to design programs that would not only protect girls’ rights but also ensure that they fulfill their dreams.
In a statement, UNICEF Deputy Representative, Dr. Rownak Khan, emphasized the need for commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on strengthening sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls at all levels.
Dr. Khan said, “We must ensure that our girls are protected, educated, and empowered. They are not just our future; they are our present. And they deserve every opportunity to realize their potential.”
The partners pledged to continue working together to ensure that every girl has access to quality education and healthcare services. They also promised to fight against harmful practices like child marriage and female genital mutilation that violate girls’ rights.
The International Day of the Girl Child is a global observance declared by the United Nations. It is celebrated annually on October 11 to highlight issues concerning gender inequality facing young girls. This year’s theme was “My voice, our equal future,” reimagining a world shaped by the dreams and aspirations of girls.