By Chioma Polok

As the world marks the International Day of the Girl Child, UNICEF has called for more action to address the global challenges girls face. The 2024 celebration highlights the importance of empowering girls despite numerous obstacles that limit their rights, choices, and future opportunities.

Celine Lafoucriere, UNICEF’s Chief of the Field Office for South-West Nigeria, expressed concern over the ongoing struggles of young girls. She noted that one in five women aged 20 to 24 marry as children, while 75 percent of new HIV infections are among adolescent girls. Additionally, one in three females suffers from anemia, with many facing barriers to education, employment, and skills training.

In Nigeria, the Plateau State Chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) acknowledged progress in providing education for girls but pointed to continued issues such as trafficking, rape, and early pregnancies. NAWOJ also highlighted that cultural and religious barriers, as well as ignorance of laws protecting women and girls, have contributed to these challenges.

Lafoucriere, speaking on this year’s theme, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” called for concerted efforts to empower girls while ensuring their protection, respect, and equal opportunity. “October 11 is a global moment to celebrate girls, amplify their voices, and recognize their leadership,” she said. “This day belongs to everyone committed to ensuring full protection of their rights.”

Despite significant progress, millions of girls still face barriers that prevent them from achieving their full potential. UNICEF reports that over 129 million girls remain out of school globally, limiting their ability to gain essential skills, contribute to their communities, and break cycles of poverty. In conflict zones, rural areas, and underserved communities, girls are disproportionately affected by gender-based violence, child marriage, and limited access to healthcare, especially sexual and reproductive services.

UNICEF emphasized that these challenges are not only individual struggles but societal losses, as communities miss out on future leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers. Lafoucriere called for governments, civil society, and individuals to support girls by advancing their education, upholding their rights, and providing the tools they need to succeed. “Girls alone cannot bring about the change they need. They require allies who listen to and respond to their needs,” she said.

UNICEF is intensifying efforts to create safe, educated, and empowered environments for girls through initiatives such as advocating for inclusive education systems, combating child marriage, and addressing gender-based violence. It also promotes leadership roles for girls in areas such as climate change, social justice, and innovation.

On this International Day of the Girl Child, UNICEF urges all stakeholders to take action to uplift and empower girls, emphasizing that investing in girls’ education and rights is key to building a better future for all.