The United Nations Children’s Fund, which recognizes the wealth of resilience, strength, and potential inherent in many girls, has charged the federal government with giving teenage Nigerian girls the platforms to express, study, and grow.
In a news release announcing the 2023 International Day of the Girl Child, UNICEF Country Representative Cristian Munduate urged that the nation’s advancement depends on an everlasting commitment to children.
The country’s estimated 26 million teenage girls (ages 10 to 19) are at risk, UNICEF warned. This is especially true for those who are ostracized because of their disability, poverty, or personal difficulties, as well as those who are pregnant, parenting, or coerced into marriage.
Munduate suggested that the focus should continue to be on promoting girls’ education, stopping harmful cultural practices, improving menstrual cleanliness, providing specialized health care, and attending to these young women’s nutritional needs.
“The potential of our girls is limitless, but we must first provide them with the platforms to express, learn, and thrive. Our commitment to this cause is unwavering and paramount for the nation’s progress.”
“In a rapidly evolving world, the dreams and aspirations of our adolescent girls are the beacons that can guide our efforts towards a more inclusive, equitable future.”
”While the terrain might be fraught with challenges, there’s hope. Nigeria’s adolescent girls are not passive bystanders but active agents of change, driving transformative initiatives in their communities. The time has come for their voices to echo louder in the halls of decision-making.
”On this International Day of the Girl, UNICEF Nigeria calls for renewed vigour in safeguarding and fostering the rights of adolescent girls. Their boundless potential deserves nothing less than the country’s utmost commitment and investment.”