Girls Led Movement Building (GLMB), has demanded for a quality education, protection from violence, full implementation of Child Protection Laws, health, and well-being in Katsina State.
The girls made the demands during the press briefing on girls declaration in commemoration of the 2024 International Day for the girl child in Katsina on Friday, with the theme, ‘Girls’ Vision for the Future’.
The girls also demanded safe spaces for freedom of expression, digital inclusion and safety, equal opportunities, and empowerment.
The GLMB Coordinator, Saudat Akilu, in her remarks, said that empowering girls to see the future is empowering humanity to achieve greatness.
“Let’s remove barriers and make every girl’s dream possible. Listen to our voices, achievements, and challenges, and work together to help us achieve our goals.
“Join us as we inspire, empower, and celebrate the girls who will shape our collective future,” she advised.
In her remarks, the Programme Manager, Save the Children, Mrs Altine Lewi, assured to continue providing platforms where children could speak to those in authority on issues that affect them.
“We will continue to provide you with support and commitment to everything concerning children, that is why our name is Save the Children.
“We will continue to provide you platforms where you can speak. We will continue to give you capacity building so that you know how to engage with others. If possible, we will link you with policymakers,” she assured.
The Special Adviser to Gov. Dikko Radda on Girl Child Education and Child Development, Hajiya Jamila Abdu-Mani, disclosed that the state government has established a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC).
According to her, the centre was to provide immediate emergency medical, psychological, and legal services to victims of Gender-Based violence (GBV).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised by Save the Children, in collaboration with the Department of the Girl Child Education and Child Development.
Abdu-Mani said that the centre was equipped with the necessary resources to provide sexual and gender-based violence support, care, and justice, which the victims deserved.
According to her, the centre is currently running a training programme of girls on vocational skills from Katsina, Daura, Mani, and Batagarawa Local Government Areas of the state.
The special adviser assured girls in the state that building their future remained the topmost priority of the present administration.
The programme was organised by the GLMB in the state, supported by Save the Children through the Philanthropic Integrated Health and Nutrition Project, with Funding from Cuppy Foundation.
The event featured the presentation of the Girls’ Declaration, which articulates the hopes, dreams, and challenges faced by young girls.
NAN
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