By Tina Amanda
In celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child, girls have been encouraged to position themselves for leadership and avoid belittling their capabilities.
This message was delivered by the Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Rivers State Branch, Adata Bio-Briggs, during a sensitization program held at Government Girls Secondary School, Oromineke, Port Harcourt.
Bio-Briggs urged the girls to celebrate their identity, build self-esteem, and refrain from depending on boys or men for their success.
She emphasized the importance of cultivating a leadership mindset, advising the students to seize opportunities to assume leadership roles in organizations, associations, and politics.
“We are here as an association to teach the girls values, morality, and everything they need to know to better their lives,” she said.
“As we celebrate the girl child, I want every girl to know they are leaders with immense potential. They should not view themselves as second-class citizens in Nigeria or anywhere else, and no one can make them second-class citizens unless they allow it.
“They are queens and leaders in their own right and should always aim for positions of authority.”
Vivian Akuyisiobike, Chairman of the FIDA Rivers Committee for the 2024 Girl Child Day, highlighted the significance of amplifying girls’ voices and supporting their aspirations.
“This year’s theme emphasizes the urgent need to listen to girls’ voices and visions for a better future. It’s about empowering them, encouraging them to take charge, and ensuring they have the opportunity to fulfill their dreams.”
She further added that society must provide a level playing field for girls to achieve their goals.
“Recently, women have been taking charge, in most places, some women are judges, some are at the helm of affairs. That is the essence of this celebration, to tell the girl child that she can do and be whatever she wants to
“The question is; do they have the opportunity? Some of them have visions and voices, but is the voice amplified? The society needs to amplify these voices, the society needs to give them a level playing ground so their vision can be achieved.”
Participants at the event expressed their gratitude for the lessons learned, promising to apply the values of self-esteem, goal-setting, and resistance to peer pressure.
The 2024 theme for the International Day of the Girl Child is “Girls’ Vision for the Future.”
