By Bashir Hassan Abubakar
As the world commemorates the 2024 International Day of the Girl, Bauchi State Ministry of Education in collaboration with IKRA Foundation for Women and Youth Development, with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) have commemorated the day in Bauchi, where over 200 adolescent girls drawn from 8 selected secondary schools in Bauchi participated.
During the occasion which was held at the Government Girls Secondery School Bauchi, the Girls presented their hopes, dreams and visions in their own handwritings which was pasted on boards, to serve as reminder for key stakeholders to create the enabling environment for a brighter future for all adolescent girls across the State.
In a goodwill message, UNFPA Executive Director, Dr Natalia Kanem stated that every girl has a vision of what her life will bring, dream that needs to be supported and protected as she makes her journey from adolescence to adulthood.
Represented by the Gender and Reproductive Health Analyst Deborah Tabara, the Executive Director said adolescent girls have a vision for a better future and thus the society needs to stand with them and not on their way.
Dr. Kanem noted that last month world leaders signed a global pact and made commitments to dismantle gender inequality and address the violations it fuels which acts as brakes on girls aspirations.
“When adolescent girls girls are healthy, educated and empowered with skills and opportunities to shape a bright future ,they and their children will have greater chances of a better life”.
“On this day let’s work to eliminate all barriers that keep adolescent girls from reaching full potential and heed their call for the freedom to live in peace and have chances for a better life”, said Dr. Kanem.
Speaking in her capacity as the Gender and Reproductive Health Analyst of UNFPA, who also doubles as the Bauchi State Program officer, Deborah Tabara commended the commitment of the State Government and the First Lady for her efforts in addressing the plight of women and girls.
“To the school girls in this hall, the theme, ‘Girls vision for the future ‘ calls for reflections on the support every girl child needs to achieve her full potential in life. I implore you remain committed in our academic pursuit and development of your skills, keep your vision for the future alive and you will achieve your full potentials in life”, said Tabara
Our correspondent reports that the International Day of the Girl Child with the theme “Girls Vision for the Future” was organized by the Bauchi State Ministry of Education, IKRA Foundation for Youths Development with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).