INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD: GIRLS ADVISED TO EMBRACE SKILLS ACQUISITION

The discrimination given to girl child in some parts of the society arising from culture, tribe or belief prompted United Nations General Assembly to set aside every eleventh of October as International Day of the girl Child.

The day which was first marked in 2012 aims at discussing challenges facing girl child all over the world as well as seek solutions to them.

The day is also a clarion call for continued collective efforts towards eradicating gender inequality, promoting girls’ empowerment and fulfillment of their human rights.

A cross section of girls in Enugu metropolis called for equal opportunity to be given to them like their male counterparts.

Speaking on the essence of the day, the Coordinator, Women for Women International, Enugu State Chapter, Comrade Chieso Aninwagwa described the girl as a nation builder.

Comrade Aninwagwa condemned the attitudes of some parents who treat the education of their girl child with laxity.

Another respondent, the Enugu State President, National Council for Women Society, Mrs Beatrice Chukwuonwe said the day was an opportunity to put right, the negative impressions created of the girl child in the society.

Mrs Chukwonwe advocated for more opportunities to be accorded to the girl child by parents and government.

She called for more attention to be given to the abuses of the right of the girl child.

Also, on the occasion of International Day of the Girl Child, the Chief of UNICEF, Enugu Field Office, Dr. Ibrahim Conteh wants girls to be supported to actualize their chosen careers.

In a media briefing in Enugu, Dr. Conteh, while commending Enugu State and other States for programmes geared towards the advancement of the girl child, said girls should be encouraged to embrace skill acquisition.

Speaking on the day, the Enugu State Commissioner for  Gender Affairs and Social Development, Princess Peace Nnaji explained that the Ministry remained committed to the protection, well being and development of women and children especially the girl-child.

Princess Nnaji noted that the State Government and her oversea development partners had trained over one thousand girls on skills, to be self reliant, which was in consonance with this year’s theme “With Her: A Skilled Girl force’’.

JULIET UGWU & EMEFIENA OKONKWO