Experts have identified early Girl-child mentorship and social inclusion as key to nation building.
This, they said was based on the fact that a well-groomed girl-child, will grow into a responsible and resourceful woman that nurtures the society in several ways.
The President of Helpline Foundation for the Needy, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu stated this on Tuesday at a one-day workshop on ‘Gender Equality and Social Inclusion for FCT Girl-child.’
Ahmadu who was represented by the Project Manager of the Foundation, Mr. Arome Onoja, said the workshop supported by Macarthur Foundation and CHRICED, was meant to provide more insight to the challenges of the girl-child, especially among the original inhabitants of Abuja, and also addressing them.
She noted that all stakeholders need to promote ideals that espouse gender equality and social inclusion for the girl-child, bearing in mind the fact that the hope for healthy generations depends on the upbringing of the girl-child.
“Today we are here for another dimension of the project with an objective to mentor the girl child on Gender equality and social inclusion and building their capacity to be able to stand strong and compete in inclusive economy where talents can meet with opportunities. This program will in no doubt prepare them for a future we all anticipate for them to become virtuous women. Remember when you train a girl-child you have trained a generation”, she added.
Also Speaking, Kosi Izundu, a Reproductive Health/Family Planning Program Officer, who represented Pathfinder International Nigeria, said that part of the mentorship program the girl-child needs is a proper understanding of her reproductive system and the issues surrounding it.
Izundu noted that giving the girls right information at every phase of their lives and development is important to raising future adults that would make reasonable impact in the society.
According to her, it is important for the girls to be given the right information so that “they can grow into very healthy adolescents and adults and they are able to fulfil their potentials in the society”.
