Ahead of the International Day of the Girl Child on Friday, Celine Lafoucriere, Chief of the UNICEF Field Office for south-west Nigeria, has stressed the need for strategic collaboration to ensure the protection of every girl’s rights.
In a statement made available to our source to commemorate the 2024 International Day of the Girl, Lafoucriere stated that the day is significant not only for girls but for everyone committed to advocating for their rights.
This year’s theme, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” resonates with findings from a recent UNICEF analysis, which highlights the courage and hope exhibited by girls in the face of challenges,” she noted.
Bemoaning the challenges of girls in today’s society, Chief of the UNICEF Field Office said, “Too many are being left behind, confronted by extreme challenges that deny them their rights, restrict their choices, and limit their futures.
“Today, one in five young women aged between 20 and 24 years were married as children. Nearly one in four partnered/married adolescent girls have experienced sexual or physical abuse.
“Globally, 75 percent of new HIV infections among adolescents occur in girls. One in three adolescent girls suffer from anemia, which is a form of malnutrition.
“Almost double the number of adolescent girls (one in four) compared to boys are not in any form of education, employment, or training.”
Lafoucriere expressed optimism about girls’ potential to respond positively to societal changes aimed at addressing their challenges, saying, “The good news is that change is possible.”
However, she stressed that girls cannot effect this change alone; they require allies who are willing to listen and respond to their needs. “Together, we can build a future in which every girl’s rights are protected, Chief of the UNICEF Field Office asserted.
Lafoucriere remarked, “We see girls taking action every day to realise the vision of a world where all girls are protected, respected, and empowered.
“However, girls alone cannot bring about the desired change. They need allies who listen to and respond to their needs – like you and me. Together, we can build a future in which every girl’s rights are protected.”
She further noted that with the right support, resources, and opportunities, the potential of girls worldwide is limitless. “When girls achieve their goals, we all move closer to achieving our global goals,” Lafoucriere concluded, urging collective action to support girls everywhere.
By Chioma Umeha @Independent
