As we celebrate the International Day of the Girl-Child observed annually on the 11th of October, FIDA Nigeria stands resolute and in solidarity with every girl whose dream and aspiration remains a beacon of hope for a brighter tomorrow. Today, we do not only celebrate girls—we amplify their voices, highlight their struggles and call for urgent and proactive action to ensure that their vision for the future become a reality.
Across Nigeria, millions of girls are born into a world filled with challenges that are beyond their making. From the plains of the northeast, where continued conflict and displacement shatter the innocence of childhood, to the rural communities where girls are still denied access to basic education, the story of the Nigerian girl-child is often one of untold hardship and deprivation.
It is a story of daily struggle from dawn, not to prepare for school but inundated with household chores and, in most cases, enduring the endless and cruel reality of child labour and gender inequalities.
She dreams of a future where she can learn, grow and thrive, yet that dream is clouded by the weight of systemic barriers and discrimination, early and forced marriages, gender-based violence, and harmful traditional and cultural practices that rob her of her childhood and future.
In the face of all these adversities, the Nigerian girl-child tenaciously remains a symbol of resilience and courage, daring to dream despite the odds, constantly envisioning a world where she is empowered, her rights protected, her voice heard, and her potential nurtured.
However, this vision cannot be realized alone. The girl-child needs allies—people, institutions, and government that will not only listen but take decisive actions
and steps to dismantle the structures that perpetuate gender inequality and gross
discrimination.
The theme for the year 2024 resonates deeply within our nation. Insecurity, poverty, climate change, illiteracy, cultural and religious limitations and the degradation of progress made in gender parity have further exacerbated the plight of girls in Nigeria.
Nevertheless, we make bold to say that the Nigerian girl-child is not a victim waiting to be saved; she is a leader waiting to be heard, standing tall at the frontline of change, challenging oppressive norms and pushing boundaries, yet she cannot win this fight alone.
FIDA Nigeria recognizing the immense potential of girls to reshape our society is deeply committed to creating spaces where their voices are not only heard but acted upon. We shall continue to work tirelessly to provide support, legal protection, and advocacy for the right to education and the overall wellbeing of the girl-child, ensuring that every Nigerian girl has the tools, resources and opportunities to shape her future.
As we reflect on this year’s theme, we call on Government, Civil Society Organizations, Public and Private sectors and indeed all stakeholders and well-meaning Nigerians to invest in proven solutions that address the challenges which girls face.
We must focus on and prioritize security, education, health care, and wholesome protection from violence and exploitation. When girls lead, they uplift families, transform communities, and strengthen the nation.
Let us not only dream with our girls but invest heavily into these dreams. The future of Nigeria is in their hands, and by empowering them today, we can secure a brighter tomorrow for all.
It is time to rise for the girl-child, walk the talk, and guarantee her participation in leadership
through education, thereby accelerating progress for a brighter tomorrow where her dreams become reality.
Together, we certainly can!
FOR: FIDA NIGERIA
Signed
Amina Suzanah Agbaje (Mrs.)
Country Vice President/ National President
FIDA Nigeria
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