By Lizzy Carr
UNFPA Executive Director, Dr Natalia Kanem has stated that every girl has a vision of what her life will bring, that dream needs to be supported and protected as she makes her journey from adolescence to adulthood.
This was contained in a message on the commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child 2024 held at Government Girls College Bauchi.
Represented by the Gender and Reproductive Health Analyst Deborah Tabara, the Executive Director said adolescent girls have a vision for a better future and thus the society needs to stand with them and not on their way.
“The gradual transition to adulthood is ended abruptly as early pregnancy and gender-based violence, including child marriage deprive them of their fundamental rights and choices “.
Kanem noted that last month world leaders signed a global pact and made commitments to dismantle gender inequality and address the violations it fuels which acts as brakes on girls aspirations.
“When adolescent girls girls are healthy, educated and empowered with skills and opportunities to shape a bright future ,they and their children will have greater chances of a better life.
On this day let’s work to eliminate all barriers that keep adolescent girls from reaching full potential and heed their call for the freedom to live in peace and have chances for a better life”.
The gender and reproductive health analyst and the UNFPA Bauchi State Program officer Deborah Tabara commented the commitment of the State government and the first lady for her efforts in addressing the plight of women and girls.
“To the school girls in this hall, the theme, ‘Girls vision for the future ‘ calls for reflections on the support every girl child needs to achieve her full potential in life, remain committed in our academic pursuit and development of your skills, keep your vision for the future alive and you will achieve your full potential “.
The International Day of the Girl Child with team Girls Vision for the Future was organized by the Bauchi State Ministry of Education, IKRA Foundation for Youths Development with support from the United Nations Fund for Population UNFPA.