By Yusuf Abubakar.
As the world mark the International Day of the Girl Child, the National Woman Leader of All Progressives Congress, APC, Hajiya Salamatu Baiwa Umar-Eluma has advocated for a seamless attention to girl child to address the glaring gender imbalance in the society.
The National Woman Leader made this know in her address at an event to mark this year’s International Day of the Girl Child held at the National Centre for Women Development (NCWD), Abuja.
Hajiya Baiwa stated that the global importance attached to the plight of the girl child in all ramifications is enough encouragement from all stakeholders to re-focus attention towards the upliftment of their status.
She deplored the attitude of players and authorities saddled with girl child development and stressed the need for more concerted efforts from all areas to bridge the gap of underdevelopment and inaction against the situation.
‘Today, we are celebrating the International Day of the Girl Child. It is an international observance day declared by the United Nations to celebrate the importance of the girl child and to draw global attention to the issues faced by girls around the world’.
“In reality, most societies, especially in Africa, women have been and are still being treated as second-class citizens.
“This Year’s theme is apt in the sense that it took cognisance of the fact that in many families and communities all over the world, relevance of the girl child is almost, if not completely ignored. They have no status, no protection and no prospects because inequality is seen as a tradition, a way of life which cannot be questioned.
“It therefore seeks to call attention to the urgent need for all hands to be on deck to ensure that the girl child is given the required enablement and opportunity to develop, aspire and to achieve her dreams and aspirations for a bright and decent future,” she said.
Mrs Umar Eluma commended the organisers, United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF), and other critical stakeholders for their collaboration including the office of Nigerian First Lady, saying it shows the determination to improve on the current situation of the girl child.
According to APC Woman Leader, efforts of former world leaders and the current ones cannot be overlooked, saying their accomplishment is worth replicating on girl child.
“I commend the National Centre for Women Development (NCWD) for its efforts in organising this Special Girls Consultative Forum to mark this Year’s Girl Child Day with the collaboration of UNICEF, National Commission for Mass Literacy (NCML), Adult and Non-formal Education, Federal Ministry of Education and the Office of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Michelle Obama, the former First Lady of the United States of America, once said that educating girls doesn’t just transform their life prospects; it transforms their families, communities and nations. This means that the girl child has the innate capacity when empowered and given the necessary encouragement to positively impact not only herself, but the wellbeing of everyone around her as well as her community and nation.”
She encouraged the girl child to take advantage of the global attention towards their emancipation and work towards sustaining the gesture, rather than falling prey of tempting social vices prevalent in our society.
“Having said this, please bear in mind that there are so many girls out there in various parts of our country, and in indeed the world who do not have the opportunities that you have today. It is therefore very important that you do not throw yours away.
“I urge you to believe in yourself, be focused and committed to your studies because when a girl child is educated, she can bring change to the world.
As you are aware, there are various temptations and vices in our society today. Young girls are constantly being misled particularly as a result of the advent of the internet and the wide use of the various social media platforms.
“Many have been distracted and many more are being distracted and misled on daily bases and as such, have fallen prey to the various ills in our society a result of which has led to the cutting short of their dreams and aspirations and heartaches to their families.
“I want you therefore to see yourselves as investments not only by your families, but your communities and the nation.”
She admonished on the need for self restraint, hard work,determination and desire to realising their potentials in life on the part of girl child.
“Work hard and follow your dreams. Learn to speak out if you are threatened or being harassed. Be bold. Do not let anyone tell you that girls are only to be seen and not to be heard. Do not let anyone make you feel small or inadequate. The world needs women who are enlightened and bold enough to take charge and play leading roles. You can only achieve this if you are dedicated to your studies and do not allow the frivolities of the world to derail you or make you drop out of school.”
She urged them to inundate themselves with the efforts of other women who have distinguished themselves in their various profession and earned accolades and recognition for their selfless performance as role models.
“Some months back, the National Centre for Women Development honoured some highly illustrious women achievers in our nation by inducting them into the Women Hall of Fame. The women who were honoured did not get to the peak of their careers by being idle. They worked hard to get to where they are today, likewise many of the women sitting with you here today.
“We have all burnt the midnight oil by studying hard and by dedicating ourselves to achieving our goals and aspirations and believe me, you can achieve far more than us if you set your mind to it.
“Note that we live in a male dominated society and it is only by hard work and commitment to your studies and goals that you can earn the respect and pride of place that you deserve.
“As we mark this day to celebrate you all, my message to you is, please do not relent in your efforts; be committed to your studies and future dreams. Always bear in mind that you have the opportunity and the ability to reach as high as humanly possible in your chosen profession. Strive to be the best that you can be, Stay focused, grow upward, branch out and prosper, and above all, never forget to put your trust in God.”
