• As G2Win commemorates International Day of the Girl Child

As part of events to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child, stakeholders have underscored the need for the society to do more towards creating a better living for the girl child.

They also called on parents, guardians and leaders in the society to address the factors inhibiting the girl child from attaining the height of her carrier.

The stakeholders made the call at the event organized by Girls2Women Development Initiative, in partnership with WellBeing Foundation Africa in ilorin Kwara State, Nigeria.  

The programme held on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at Government High School, Adeta, in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

The event had in attendance over 50 girls from different schools to include Government Day Secondary School, Adeta, Barakat Community Secondary School, Government Girls Day Secondary School, Pakata and Government High School, Adeta. 

The program compered by Akande Mubaraq Adeola also had in attendance distinguished 

Speakers at the one day event also include, Mrs Bisola Oduwole Sulaimon, a Girl Child Advocate and Media Pactitioner with Diamond FM Ilorin, Mrs Toluwalope Kehinde Bankole- Isenere, a Youth Coach/Advocate, Mrs Manzuma Halimat J, a Spoken Words Artist and Ms Jimoh Zainab, the Programs Director at Wellbeing Foundation, Africa.

Speaking on the topic, “Breaking Barriers to Girls Access to Education, Mrs Bisola Oduwole Sulaimon highlighted the various challenges young girls encounter when in the quest to acquire education.

This, she said is also prevalent in their effort to make key decisions that will shape their lives for the future.

Oduwole-Suleiman stressed the need to weather the storm and subdue these limitations to be able to excel as women.

The On-Air-Personality also admonished teachers to create an enabling environment for the girls to thrive, encouraging them to see the students as mentees and “hold their hands as they navigate their daily lives.”

Also speaking, Mrs Bankole- Isenere charged the teenagers to stay confident and never look down on themselves.

She emphasized the need for them to see beyond those around them, and break barriers.

Bankole-Isenere, who spoke on the topic: “Breaking Stereotypes and Building Confidence as a Girl Child”, cited the various stereotypes that young girls face and how to break free from societal expectations.

She also encouraged the students to love themselves and prioritize their success above all things. 

Another Speaker, Mrs Manzuma Halimat J, delivered an electrifying spoken word on Girls vision for the future, electrifying the hall with her unique talent.

Her presentation resonated with the participants who hailed and clapped as she delivered the rhythmic lines. 

Mrs Alabi Tawakalitu Omolara, founder, Girls2Women Development Initiative earlier in her address, said the aim is to groom the teenage girls and help them acquire an upbringing that positions them at par with their male counterparts.

Alabi, who highlighted the organization’s aims and objectives, said the non governmental organization is committed to creating safe spaces for women and girls in the rural communities, advocating SDGs 3,4,5,8 and 10.

On the many challenges confronting young girls are still prevalent, Alabi said more than 62 million girls do not have access to basic education.

“Many of them are vulnerable to sexual exploits and Gender based violence, not forgetting the limitations placed on girls by some cultures and traditions. 

“There’s that need to encourage girls to always be true to themselves as individuals in a bid to emerge victorious,” she said.

The Programs Director at WellBeing Foundation Africa, Zainab Jimoh, stressed the importance of commemorating the International Day of the Girl Child, as these helps the world to address the lingering concerns. 

She also underscored the significance of the Sustainable Development Goals, SDG, and admonished the girls to be advocates of impactful living in everything they do. 

During the programme, pupils of Government Day Secondary School gave a brief presentation on Personal and Menstrual Hygiene Management where they educated their fellow participants on the importance of personal hygiene, before, during and after menstruation.

The climax of the event was the Spelling Bee competition where two students each represented each of the schools present and the speakers presided as judges.

At the end of the competition, Government Day Secondary School, Adeta clinched the first position, Government High School, Adeta emerged first runner-up while Government Girls Day Secondary School emerged as second runner-up.

Prizes and certificates were presented to winners and participants. 

The International Day of the Girl Child is marked every October 11th, to celebrate girls’ resilience and the unique challenges they face, including girls with disabilities and those living in marginalized communities.

The day is also set aide to promote the fulfillment of girl’s rights and empowerment.