Acknowledging the importance, power and potentials of adolescent girls, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Rivers state chapter has called for opening of more opportunities for girls in our society.
The association in commemorating this year’s International Day of The Girl Child described the true empowerment of the girl child as critical as that of the boys to economic growth adding that the meaningful participation of girls in decisions that affect their lives is key in breaking the cycle of discrimination and violence.
NAWOJ futher stressed the need to empower young ladies to become inspirited, free women of tomorrow as well as elimination of gender-based challenges that little girls face around the world especially child marriages, poor learning opportunities, violence, and discrimination.
The association however regrets that deeply entrenched issues and problematic mindsets which were passed on for generations have made gender-based discrimination and oppression threateningly common in every household and enjoined government at all levels, traditional institutions and religious organizations to use this year’s International Day of the Girl Child celebration to focus on problems and challenges faced by girls.
NAWOJ noted that adolescence is a critical point in every girl’s life and because it determines the trajectory of their lives, caring for them benefits the society more so if they are empowered at a vulnerable age, they can mature into liberated, wise women of the future.
