By Mark Lenu
The International Day of the Girl Child is an international observance day declared by the United Nations to be observed every October 11.
The observation supports more opportunities for girls and increases the awareness of gender inequality faced by girls worldwide. This inequality includes areas such as access to education, nutrition, legal rights, medical care, and other forms of violence against the girl child.
For the past few years, statistics have shown that Nigeria has a high prevalence rate of child sexual abuse of around 34.4 percent. 60 percent of children involved in child trafficking from Africa to Europe are Nigerians
Findings from the National Survey carried out on Violence Against Children in Nigeria confirmed one in four females has reportedly experienced sexual violence in childhood.
In the same study, it was found that 24.8% of females between the ages of 18 and 24 had experienced sexual abuse before they got to 18 years old of which 5.0% may have sought for help, but only 3.5% received help.
The theme for the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child is ‘Girls’ Vision for the Future’. This year’s theme conveys the need for urgent action aimed at securing a better future for the girl child.
Today’s generation of girls is disproportionately affected by global crises.
A lot of girls are still denied their rights in many forms. Yet, recent analysis shows that girls are not only courageous in the face of crisis, but hopeful for the future. Every day, they are taking action to realize a vision of a world in which all girls are protected, respected, and empowered.
But girls cannot realize this vision alone. They need allies who listen and respond to their needs. With the right support, resources, and opportunities, the potential of the world’s 1.1 billion girls can be realized.
It is time to listen to girls, to invest in proven solutions that will accelerate progress toward a future in which every girl can fulfill her potential.
