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Ese Usamali Foundation for Rural Development (EUFORDe), a non governmental organization working with grassroot communities, has joined the global community to commemorate this year’s International Day of the Girl Child, with the theme, ‘Girls’ Vision for the Future.’
Executive Director of the organization, Mercy Eseroghene Elemchukwu-James, in a statement, said October 11, set aside by the United Nations as the International Day of the Girl Child, is a special day dedicated to recognizing the potential, power, and resilience of girl children all over the world.
She said, “The theme for the year, ‘Girls’ Vision for the Future,’ focuses on the power of girls’ visions and the importance of shaping their future. It plunges us to listen to girls’ ideas, support their ambitions, and invest in opportunities that allows for them to excel in all facets of life. Through this, we create a sustainable future and an inclusive world, for sustainable development.”
This this informed Ese Usamali’s focus, as part of activities marking the day, on the rural, hard-and-far-to-reach, orphaned, vulnerable, marginalized, abandoned, out-of-school and minorated girls, and girls with disabilities.
Elemchukwu-James noted that the focus was “because they face the brunt of traditional practices and customs which deprive them access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, stereotypes, violence of all forms, exploitation, and discrimination, yet remain resolute, resilient and visionary.”
The activities include engaging the girls in real-time discussions/interactive sessions on: ‘Girls’ Visions and Actualization, for a Purposeful and Beautiful Future’; ‘Girls’ Education and Leadership/mentorship, with Okonjo Iweala mentioned as a Role Model’; as well as ‘Entrepreneurship/Skills acquisition on vaseline production; education on menstrual hygiene and general body care; sensitization on self-care, self-esteem and stress management, to combat depression and stress.
Our reporter said the girls played games and had some work-out-sessions and counseling sessions to acertain their challenges, and were given gifts of body care products, provisions and sanitary pads.
EUFORDe’s Elemchukwu-James called on all leaders, stakeholders, and policy makers to: create inclusive policies that promote and protect the rights of the girl child against all forms of violence, exploitation, inequalities and harmful traditional and cultural practices such as FGM and Early Child Marriage.”
She also urged government to, “Invest and empower the girl child; prioritize girl child education, ensuring they have access to quality education and empowerment; include the girl child in decision-making processes, as girls face the brunt of challenges from poverty, environment crises, etc”
She further asked the society to “Nurture her visions, support her aspirations, and create an enabling environment for her to thrive, and create a safe and friendly platform where the girl-child can amplify her voice and seek redress.
“Let us raise bold, courageous, and impactful girl, for a better world,” she said.
