Wednesday, October 11, 2023, serves as a poignant reminder of the persistent challenges limiting girls from reaching their full potential in society.
Despite progress in many areas, barriers to education still loom large, and other key factors disproportionately affect girls and perpetuate gender inequality.
Education is often hailed as the cornerstone of individual and societal development. However, for millions of girls around the world, this fundamental right remains elusive.
Deep-rooted traditions and norms often restrict girls’ access to education. Early marriage, gender-based discrimination, and stereotypes can hinder their pursuit of knowledge.
Poverty remains a significant impediment to girls’ education. Families struggling to make ends meet may prioritise boys’ education over girls’, perpetuating a cycle of inequality.
Insufficient schools, long distances to travel, and inadequate sanitation facilities can deter girls from attending school, especially in rural areas.
In many regions, the journey to school can be perilous for girls, with risks of violence, harassment, or abduction deterring parents from sending them to school.
Women Paticipation in STEM
Also, the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) have historically been dominated by men, leading to a significant gender gap.
Efforts to encourage girls to embrace STEM fields and succeed in them are critical for achieving gender balance and reaping the rewards of diverse perspectives in science and technology.
The Nigerian government should recommit to breaking down barriers for girls in STEM, enabling their contributions to science and technology to be celebrated and valued in the future.
Women in Sports
Sports have always been a platform for showcasing talent, dedication, and determination. Yet, despite the progress we’ve made in various aspects of gender equality, stereotypes and biases still persist in the world of sports, limiting the recognition and opportunities available to female athletes.
Equal recognition, funding, and media coverage should be given to female athletes and women’s sports.
The government at all levels should also create inclusive sports programmes that encourage girls of all ages to participate and enjoy the benefits of physical activity and competition.
On the International Day of the Girl Child, stakeholders should recognise the immense potential of women in sports and work to dismantle stereotypes and biases. By doing so, we create a world where every girl can pursue her athletic dreams without limitations.
Early Child Marriage
Child marriage remains an entrenched issue affecting millions of girls around the world. It is not merely a violation of human rights; it also perpetuates a cycle of poverty and inequality.
Nigeria’s rates of child marriage are some of the highest on the African continent. Although the Child Rights Act (CRA, 2003) prohibits marriage below age 18.
In many communities, cultural practices and traditions deeply ingrained in child marriage make it challenging to eradicate.
Girls with limited access to education are more vulnerable to child marriage
There should be Initiatives to promote girls’ education, empower them and also delay marriage, and improve their economic prospects.
Ending child marriage is a moral imperative as well as a step towards achieving gender equality, improving public health, and reducing poverty.
Women in Politics
Nigeria has one of the biggest populations of educated women, yet one of the lowest rates of female political engagement, a semiotic indicator of the discriminatory ideology inherent in her young democracy.
Women’s political engagement is vital for democratic government. However, restrictive laws, institutional impediments, discriminatory cultural practices, and disproportionately low access to excellent education, healthcare, and resources continue to disenfranchise women from the political sphere across the world.
Empowered girls grow into empowered women who can contribute significantly to their communities and societies at large.
Girls are leaders. Girls are change-makers. Girls are driving good growth around the world. They are a fundamental source of transformational change for gender equality.
On this International Day for the Girl Child, let us commit ourselves to the cause of empowering girls. There is an urgent need for increased attention and resources for the key areas that enable women to realise their rights and achieve their full potential