The Executive Director of Equity Watch Initiative (E-WIN), a gender-based non-governmental organization in Nsukka, Enugu State, Associate Prof. Chiemezie Atama, has called for increased access to education for the girl child.
Associate Prof. Atama made the call in commemoration of this year’s International Day of the Girl Child, tagged “The girl I am, the Change I lead: Girls on the Front Lines of Crisis,” stressing that improved access to education would significantly reduce early and forced marriages among girls in many parts of the world, particularly in Nigeria.
According the Director, child marriage remains a critical issue affecting the development and well-being of adolescent girls especially in the global South with Nigeria ranking third in the prevalence of child brides.
“Currently, Nigeria is home to over 24 million child brides, and 23% of women aged 15-19 have started childbearing, with 17% having had a first birth and 5% currently pregnant.
Evidence has shown that these rates are significantly higher in rural areas compared to urban areas.
“Factors such as lack of access to education, and cultural practices, lack of sexual and reproductive health and rights information and services, climate change among others contribute to these disparities,” she said.
She urged governments at all levels, as well as well-meaning individuals and organizations, to initiate and support programmes aimed at increasing access to girl-child education, SRHR information and services, raising awareness on harmful cultural practices and mitigating climate change so as to empower the girl child for growth and development.
Associate Prof. Atama, reaffirms her commitment to promoting social justice, gender equality, and empowering women and girls and wishes all her girls happy International Day of the Girl Child.
The International Day of the Girl Child, first observed on October 11, 2012, is a United Nations-declared day that highlights the challenges facing girls globally. The observance seeks to promote gender equality and expand opportunities for girls, particularly in areas such as education, healthcare, legal rights, and protection from violence and discrimination.
The annual celebration also underscores the growing recognition of girls and young women as a vital group in global development efforts and advocacy initiatives.
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