In commemoration of this year’s International Girl Child Day, celebrated annually on October 11, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Rivers State chapter, reaffirmed its commitment to championing the rights of girls and advocating for systems that protect, empower, and uplift them.
NAWOJ gave this reaffirmation on Saturday, October 11, 2025, when the association joined the global community to mark the 2025 Girl Child Day with the theme, “Empowering Girls for a Sustainable Future.”
In a statement by it’s chairperson, Susan Serekara-Nwikhana and secretary, Precious Ahiakwo-Ovie, NAWOJ underscored the urgent need to invest in girls as agents of change for a better tomorrow.
According to the association, “the day serves as a powerful reminder of every girl’s right to live free from discrimination, violence, and barriers to education, health, and opportunity.
“While strides have been made in promoting gender equality, many girls across Nigeria including within our local communities continue to face persistent challenges such as early and forced marriage, sexual and gender-based violence, limited access to quality education and inadequate healthcare and menstrual hygiene resources.”
The association revealed that the mentioned issues not only hinder individual growth but also impede societal progress by silencing the voices and potential of future leaders.
NAWOJ called on all stakeholders, government bodies at all levels, civil society organizations, traditional institutions, the media, and the private sector to take urgent, coordinated action to address the menace.
They noted that issues faced by a girl child could be addressed by, “investing in girl-centered education and leadership programs, enforcing laws that protect girls from abuse, exploitation, and harmful traditional practices, promoting digital inclusion to ensure girls are not left behind in the global digital economy, supporting menstrual hygiene initiatives and broader health interventions and creating safe, inclusive spaces where girls can speak out, be heard, and thrive.
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“As women journalists, we acknowledge the powerful role the media plays in shaping narratives and driving societal transformation. NAWOJ pledges to continue using our platforms to tell the stories of girls, their challenges, their resilience, and their achievements.
“On this day and beyond, let us unite to ensure that every girl has the opportunity to reach her full potential. An empowered girl today becomes a powerful woman tomorrow and together, they shape a more just, inclusive, and sustainable world,” They added.
