International Day Of Girl-Child: Ogun Government, Stakeholders Crave Gender Equality, Others
By ABIODUN JIMOH, ABEOKUTA
Advocacy for gender equality and empowerment of the girl child across the country has gathered momentum as Ogun state Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has raised his firm support for this move.
Governor Abiodun noted that his administration would equip them as key role players in the development process, admitting that his administration is committed to developing Ogun State through the expression and exploration of girls’ potential.
He made this declaration at the International Day of Girl Child celebration tagged ‘My Voice, Our Equal Future’ held at Valleyview, Abeokuta on Sunday whereby pupils from various schools across the state participated at the event.
Governor Abiodun, ably represented by his Special Assistant on Student Affairs, Comrade Azeez Adeyemi posited that the day, October 11th every year has been set aside as International Day of Girl Child to give rapt attention to the needs of the girl child worldwide.
“In December 2011, the United Nation General Assembly adopted resolution 66/170 and declared every 11th of October as the International Day of Girl Child to give rapt attention to the needs of the girl child worldwide.
“The International Day of the Girl Child has risen far above the bars to become a global call amplifying the voice of the girl child in demanding for gender equality, empowerment of the girl child, among many others. It is also a call yo challenge the status quo on the second choice values placed on girls.
“This event is one of the numerous magnanimity of Prince Dapo Abiodun towards recognizing the students as partners in progress,” he said.
The governor hereby called on stakeholders in educational sector to help pilot the affairs of the sector towards attaining greater feats. “It is no more news that we have recorded series of cases of rape, sexual harassment and other social vices as well.
“We will take advantage of this day set aside by the United Nation to mark international girl child day to campaign against social vices, and to sensitize our pupils and students and to assist them in some areas of needful.
“I hope our young girls in the state would have been prepared and oriented on the challenges of societal harassments and abuse viz a viz ways of combating the challenges. No nation can thrive without building students as worthy models.”
Furthermore, in her submission, guest speaker, Engr. Funmilayo Ayinke-Adekojo remarked that the occasion brought to fore once and again the pains, gains and future of the girl child in Nigeria, just as in any other part of the world.
She urged girls to always believe in themselves, be confident, bold and determined to aspire to any level in life.
She stated: “The theme this year: ‘My Voice: Our Equal Future’ aptly describes a major aspect of gender inequality facing the girl child in our nation. So I will be talking on the topic ‘A Case for Resonant Voice of the Girl Child for our Sustainable and Equal Future’.
“So, I am bold to say that the girl child, if given proper training and an enabling
environment, has the capacity to do exploits in all space in Nigeria from the
technology, finance & investment, creative industry, education, policy and
advocacy space, etc. than her male counterpart if her voice is not drowned
by allowing her to have proper training and right education.
“Gender equality is first and foremost, a
human right. Every girl is entitled to live in dignity and in freedom from want and
from fear. Empowering women contribute to the health and productivity of whole
families and communities and to improve prospects for the next generation. �
“Adolescent girls have the right to a safe, educated and healthy life, not only during
these critical formative years, but also as they mature into women. If effectively
supported during the adolescent years, girls have the potentials to change the
world.
“An investment in realizing the power of adolescent girls upholds their rights
today and promises a more equitable and prosperous future, one in which half of
humanity is an equal partner in solving the problems of climate change, political
conflict, economic growth, disease prevention and global sustainability.
“There have been several organizations and institutions advocating for women, promoting legal and policy reforms and gender sensitive data collection.
“Despite many �international agreements affirming their human rights, women are still much more likely than men to be poor and be illiterate. The ability of women to control their own fertility is absolutely fundamental to women’s empowerment and equality. When a woman can plan her family, she can plan for the rest of her life.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Emmanuel Abayomi, a psychiatrist, who represented the Provost and Medical Director of Psychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Dr. Afeez Agboola said that it was true that the rape cases have been on the increase, due ti many factors responsible for it.
According to him: “Many factors are responsible such as psychiatric problem, societal factors like depression, peer pressure, bad friendship, psychological problems among others.”
