By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
It has been stressed that, every girl has a vision of what her life will bring, a dream that needs to be supported and protected as she makes her journey from adolescence to adulthood.
The assertion was contained in a Statement by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Executive Director, Dr. Natalia Kanem delivered by the Bauchi State Coordinator, Deborah Tabara at the commemoration of the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child held at the Government Girls College (GGC), Bauchi on Friday.
The Executive Director lamented that, “Yet, for millions of girls, adolescence is a time when doors slam shut.”
Natalia Kanem added that, “The gradual transition to adulthood is ended abruptly as early pregnancy and gender-based violence, including harmful practices like child marriage and female genital mutilation, deprive them of their fundamental rights and choices.”
She added that, “Poverty, protracted conflicts and chronic fragility make these risks even more likely.”
According to her, “Adolescent girls aged 15 to 19 in low- and middle-income countries have 21 million pregnancies a year; nearly half are unintended. For many of these girls, this means a life not just curtailed, but cut short altogether.”
“Complications related to pregnancy and childbirth are among the leading causes of death for adolescent girls worldwide,” She stressed.
According to her, “Last month, world leaders signed a global pact that included commitments to dismantle gender inequality and address the violations it fuels, which act as brakes on girls’ aspirations.”
Natalia Kanem stressed that, “They recognized that the peace and prosperity of our shared future depend on the ability of adolescent girls to exercise their human rights and reach their full potential.”
She also stated that, “When adolescent girls are healthy, educated, and empowered with skills and opportunities to shape a bright future, they and their children – if they choose to have them in adulthood – have greater chances at a better life.”
“At 600 million strong, adolescent girls have transformative potential – for themselves, their communities, and humanity as a whole,” She enthused.
The UNFPA Executive Director stressed further that, “On this International Day of the Girl and every day, let’s work to eliminate all the barriers that keep adolescent girls from reaching their full potential, and heed their call for the freedom to live in peace and determine their own life’s course.”
She concluded that,”Adolescent girls have a clear vision of the future they want. Let’s support them in realizing this future; let’s stand with them, and not in their way.”
Earlier, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Nigeria Resident Representative, Dr. Gifty Addico, applauded the Bauchi State Governor, Sen Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir for his investment and commitment to the development of adolescents girls in the state development plans and for providing an enabling environment for development programme.
Gifty Addico also reiterated UNFPA’s commitment to the partnership with Bauchi State Government; the First Lady of Bauchi state for her tireless efforts in addressing the plight of Women and Girls in the state; the Commissioner for Education for her relentless efforts in ensuring girls are enrolled, retained and transit to achieving their educational aspirations and Ikra Foundation for Women and Youths Development, for the innovations in addressing the needs of adolescents girls.
These were contained in an address by Deborah Tabara, Gender/ Reproductive Health Analyst, UNFPA Nigeria, who added that, “I am deeply honoured to stand before you today to address you at this event as part of our collective efforts to herald the commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child 2024 on the crucial theme of “Girls Vision for the future”.
She stated that the UNFPA Country Representative in Nigeria, is committed to ensuring every young girl achieved her potentials in life through UNFPA interventions in Bauchi state.
She added that, “To the school girls represented in this hall today – this theme calls for reflections on the support every girl child needs to achieve her full potential in life – remain committed in your academic pursuit and development of your skills, keep your vision for the future alive and you will achieve your full potentials.”
Also speaking, Head of Program/Operations, Ikra Foundation for Women and Youth Development (IFWYD), Huzaifa Abubakar stated that,”On this significant occasion of the International Day of the Girl Child, we come together to celebrate the strength, resilience, and potential of young girls around the world.”
He added that, “We are reminded of the incredible potential that lies within every girl, waiting to be embraced and cultivated. On behalf of Mrs. Amina Garba Ahmed, the Executive Director of Ikra Foundation for Women and Youth Development, a heartfelt welcome to all of you. Your presence and the support, especially of our esteemed First Lady, underscores our collective dedication to empowering girls in our state, Bauchi state.”
Huzaifa Abubakar added that,”Today, we acknowledge the unique challenges that girls face and reinforce our dedication to fostering an environment where they can thrive, dream, and achieve their fullest potential. Let us come together to inspire hope, ignite ambition, and reaffirm every girl’s right to education, health, and opportunity. Together, we can forge a world where every girl has the chance to pursue her dreams and aspirations without hesitation.”
“As we commemorate this day, let us reaffirm our pledge to stand for equality, promote inclusivity, and champion the rights of every girl child. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future,” He added.
He further stated that, “I want to take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to our implementing partners: the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Ministry of Education, and the Bauchi State Budget Planning Department. Your unwavering commitment, collaboration, and hard work have made our initiatives not only feasible but impactful. Thank you for your invaluable contributions and for standing alongside us in this vital mission to uplift young girls.”
“Once again, thank you for being a part of this significant celebration. Together, we have the power to be the change-makers for the next generation of girls who will lead our world into its future. Thank you for your continued support and for joining us in this vital cause,” Huzaifa Abubakar concluded.
In her goodwill message, Asamau yahaya leader of persons living with disabilities in Bauchi state, spoke on overcoming barriers to achieve girls vision for the future.
She called for support and encouragement for her to ensure that She got to the peak without hindering her progression in life considering her fragility.
Director-General SDGs, Lydia Shehu inspired the girls to speak out against gender based violence stressing that it is only by doing so that their voices could be heard and help come their way.
