Organisation Reaffirms Key Role Of Girls Education In National Development

The Worldwide Organisation for Women Africa Incorporated, WOW, has reaffirmed the crucial role of girls’ education and empowerment in strengthening national development.

At its 4th annual debate celebrating the International Day of the Girl in Awka, Anambra State, the Chairperson of the debate planning committee, Mrs. Ngozi Chukwujekwu emphasized the importance of empowering girls, describing them as essential to the future of society.

In her words, Mrs Chukwujekwu said “Girl means Gift In Real Life. Without her, there is no tomorrow.”

At the event, which commenced in June 2024 across multiple zones, she expressed gratitude to Founder/CEO of WOW Africa Inc., Chief (Mrs.) Carol Ugochukwu, and Executive Director, Attorney Amaka Ada-Akudinobi, for their continued support.

“Your labour of love is not in vain,” she said, as the event celebrated efforts to empower girls throughout the year.

The keynote speaker, a lecturer at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Dr. Ngozi Ozoh, discussed how societal perceptions of gender roles limit girls’ educational and career choices, especially in fields like engineering and medicine.

She urged dismantling these barriers to create a more inclusive future.

Dr. Ozoh emphasized education as the key to empowerment, noting that “130 million girls are out of school due to poverty and early marriages.”

She warned, “If we do not invest in girls’ education, we risk stagnating both individual potential and national progress,” quoting Queen Rania of Jordan.

Addressing violence against women, Dr. Ozoh called for protective frameworks and cultural shifts to ensure every girl lives free from violence.

The Executive Director of WOW Africa Inc., Attorney Amaka Ada-Akudinobi, represented by WOW Southeast Coordinator, Mrs. Ethel Eruchalu, reflected on the 1995 Beijing Conference and urged stakeholders to invest in girls’ education.

She emphasized the importance of involving men and boys in promoting gender equality.

Lead Teen Advisor, Zara Ilona said, “Being a girl means rising above limitations. Girls represent strength and resilience.”

WOW Africa remains committed to empowering girls and promoting their leadership.

The debate featured teams from four educational zones in Anambra, with Abbot Girls’ Secondary School Ihiala emerging as champions. Urban Boys Secondary School Fegge and Capital City Secondary School Awka took second and third place, respectively. The winning teams were awarded trophies and cash prizes, fostering unity and motivation among participants.

The participating schools pledged to become ambassadors for girl empowerment, ensuring the message of education and equality continues.

Mercy Chukwudiebere