The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Imo State Chapter, on Tuesday joined the rest of the world to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child, with a campaign to enlighten young girls on their rights and potential.
To mark the occasion, members of the association, led by the Vice Chairperson, Mrs. Chizoba Opara, who represented the Chairperson, Dr. Dorothy Nnaji, visited Imo Girls Secondary School, Owerri, and Akwakuma Girls Secondary School, Owerri.
Addressing the students, the Vice Chairperson, Opara explained that the United Nations General Assembly, on December 19, 2011, declared October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child to recognize the rights of girls and the unique challenges they face globally. The day, she noted, was first observed in 2012.
Speaking on this year’s theme, “The Girl I Am, the Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis,” Mrs. Opara emphasized that every girl has the right to a safe, educated, and healthy life—both in childhood and as they grow into adulthood.
“If effectively supported and educated, girls have the power to change the world—as today’s empowered youth and tomorrow’s leaders, entrepreneurs, mentors, and mothers,” she said.
She encouraged the students to draw inspiration from successful Nigerian women such as Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the late Prof. Dora Akunyili, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, stressing that they too can achieve greatness if they remain focused and determined.
“An investment in the potential of girls upholds their rights today and promises a more equitable and prosperous future for all,” she added.
Mrs. Opara further urged the students to put their trust in God, serve Him faithfully, and believe in their ability to achieve anything they aspire to.
Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Ukachi Ukah, the resource person, and a representative of the Human Rights Commission, enlightened the students on the Rights of the Girl Child, which include the right to education, health, leadership, dignity, inheritance, and freedom from violence, among others.
She encouraged them to take their education seriously, describing it as the gateway to every other right.
“Never allow anyone to deny you your rights or make you feel less because you are a girl. There is no gender barrier to success,” she said.
The highlight of the event was the distribution of sanitary pads to the students, a gesture aimed at promoting menstrual hygiene and the dignity of the girl child.
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