By Khalid Idris Doya
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called for equal opportunities for education and development for all children, irrespective of gender, stressing the need to end child marriage and invest in the rights and future of the girl child.
The Chief of UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, made the call on Thursday in Gombe during the commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child, organised by the UNICEF Bauchi Field Office at Maidugu Hotel, Gombe.
The celebration was held under the theme, "End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights," and brought together traditional leaders, women's groups, development partners, the media and girls to celebrate progress, amplify the voices of girls and discuss practical ways of strengthening support for their rights, wellbeing, skills and opportunities.
Rafique said women and girls, particularly those from poor and vulnerable families, must be given equal opportunities to access education and acquire the skills needed to build better lives for themselves, their families and communities.
She said countries could not achieve meaningful development without ensuring that both boys and girls had access to quality education and opportunities to realise their full potential.
"When we look at many countries around the world, we see that women and girls are being given greater opportunities to access education, attend higher institutions and achieve their full potential.
"One of the most important responsibilities of any country is to provide equal opportunities for education and development to everyone, regardless of whether they are male or female," she said.
The UNICEF chief stressed the need for traditional rulers, government officials in the education, health and social sectors, women’s organisations and civil society groups to work together in tackling challenges affecting children, particularly girls.
"Therefore, traditional leaders and representatives from the education, health and social sectors, as well as women’s organisations and civil society, must all be involved. These are the people who need to take action and work together with government.
"We cannot achieve meaningful development if we are not working as a team. We need to create an environment where everyone works together for the benefit of our children and our communities," she said.
Rafique further emphasised the importance of educating and empowering women, saying the wellbeing of mothers had a direct bearing on the future of children and society.
She said a strong economy and prosperous society depended, among other things, on having educated, healthy and well-nourished mothers capable of providing adequate care and support for their children.
"There is a saying that if you give us good mothers, we will give you a good nation. The strength of a nation depends greatly on the strength and wellbeing of its mothers.
"Women make up about half of the population. If women are not educated and empowered, how can they adequately protect and support their children? How can a society progress when half of its population is left behind?" she asked.
She called for greater support for women at every level, including access to education, skills development, professional opportunities and participation in civic and national life.
"That is why we must all support the education and empowerment of women and girls. We must also stand firmly against child marriage. Let children be children. Let them go to school, grow in a safe environment and have the opportunity to determine their future," Rafique urged.
She also identified traditional rulers as critical stakeholders in the campaign against child marriage, urging them to use their influence to promote a culture that encourages and sustains education.
Also speaking, the Gombe State Commissioner for local government and community development, Barr. Sani Ahmed Haruna, described child marriage as a global, health and human rights issue with serious implications for child protection, education, development and the psychological wellbeing of children.
The commissioner, who was represented by an assistant director in the ministry, Abdulrazak Abdulmumini, said ending child marriage could not be achieved by government alone.
He stressed the need for collective action involving government, communities, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, parents and other stakeholders.
"Our dear daughters, you have the right to be a child, to go to school, to enjoy your childhood and, in the future, to make informed choices about your life," he said.
Haruna called on parents and community leaders to protect children and create an environment where they could grow, learn and realise their full potential.
"Their education, health, safety and future must remain our priority," he urged.
He added that the ministry would continue to work with communities and other stakeholders to strengthen child protection and ensure that every child was given the opportunity to thrive.
At the event, girls and students shared their experiences and highlighted challenges associated with early marriage and limited opportunities to determine the course of their lives.
They consequently appealed to parents, traditional rulers and community leaders to support their education and give them the opportunity to develop their skills, pursue their aspirations and make informed decisions about their future.
0 Comments