A Non-Profit and Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) in Nigeria, the Child and Youth Protection Foundation (CYPF), has called on the Nigerian government and other authorities to prioritise girls’ education and health.
In a statement marking the 2024 International Day for the Girl Child, the organization also called for support initiatives to promote girls’ empowerment and to mentor and spark the passion of girls to reach their full potential.
“Today, as the Girl Child is spotlighted globally, we urge governments, policymakers, civil society organisations, and individuals to prioritise girl’s education and health.
“Support initiatives promoting girl’s empowerment as well as “enact and ensure enforcement of policies protecting girl’s rights.
“On this special day, CYPF reaffirms its dedication to championing the rights and aspirations of girls as we believe that by listening to and uplifting the voices of girls, we can collectively pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future through the creation of a supportive ecosystem where girls can envision and achieve their dreams,” the statement said.
CYPF stated its excitement in joining the global community to celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child 2024, observed annually on October 11th.
The day aims to spotlight the challenges faced by young girls worldwide while promoting their empowerment and well-being.
This year’s theme, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” emphasises the need to amplify the voices and aspirations of girls, fostering a brighter and more inclusive future.
“CYPF’s commitment to children’s protection, development, and rights is unwavering, as evidenced by our diverse programs catering to the holistic well-being of children and youth.
“We aim to keep striving to create a sustainable environment where every girl child can thrive,” the organisation said.
According to the statement, girls face daunting challenges across Nigeria, Africa, and globally.
A UNICEF report shows that 44% of girls are married before the age of 18, totalling over 24 million child brides, and 30% of girls are missing some or all school during their period.
👧 Every girl deserves a bright future without the threat of child marriage, yet in Nigeria, 4 out of 10 girls are married before the age of 18. By investing in girls’ education, we pave the way for a future where girls are leaders and creators of a better world.✨#DayOfTheGirl pic.twitter.com/qmfQ4o84ea
— UNICEF Nigeria (@UNICEF_Nigeria) October 11, 2024
Also Read: VP Shettima Stresses Importance of Girl Child Education
Also, a UNESCO report shows that 122 million girls are still out of school around the world today while 1 in 4 young girls (aged 15-24 years) who have been in a relationship will have already experienced violence by an intimate partner by the time they reach their mid-twenties.
Education is a right, not a privilege.
The number of out-of-school girls highlights serious violations of their right to education and represents a significant missed potential.
Let’s bridge the gap & defend girls’ rights! https://t.co/bk75Tfyvj9 #DayOfTheGirl pic.twitter.com/ACnxBhSwav
— UNESCO 🏛️ #Education #Sciences #Culture 🇺🇳 (@UNESCO) October 10, 2024
The WHO adds that 1 in 3 women, that is around 736 million, are subjected to physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner or sexual violence from a non-partner.
Partner violence starts alarmingly young.
If they’ve been in a relationship, 1 in 4 adolescent girls will have experienced physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence by the time they turn 20 years old.
Let’s #ENDviolence against women and girls https://t.co/wrELhE0NmX… pic.twitter.com/tSsK3V9BWi
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) October 11, 2024
CYPF said that it addresses these “pressing” girls’ issues through the child protection and development program, menstrual health initiatives, including period dairy and Padbank establishment in schools as well as leadership development programs in Schools and education support for out-of-school children.
“In line with this year’s theme, CYPF will kick off an exciting Anti-Bullying Campaign that actively involves students through creative arts and other engaging activities.
“We strongly believe that by fostering a culture of respect, empathy, and inclusivity, we can build a community where all children and youth feel safe, valued, and empowered to realize their full potential,” the statement said.
Founded in Nigeria in 1991, the CYPF, is a non-Profit organisation working towards empowering children and young people.
In 1995 at the World Conference on Women in Beijing, Countries unanimously adopted the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, considered the most progressive blueprint ever for advancing the rights of not only women but girls.
The Beijing Declaration, according to reports, is the first to specifically call out girls’ rights.
On December 19th, 2011, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170 to declare October 11 as the “International Day of the Girl Child.”
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