By, Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
Save the Children International (SCI) has marked the International Day of the Girl Child, a global observance dedicated to raising awareness of the challenges faced by girls worldwide.
Mr AbdulWasi’u Ogunbeni, the Advocacy and Mobilisation Officer for SCI, in Damaturu, said the day was crucial for highlighting the cultural norms that often hinder girls from reaching their full potential.
He emphasized the need to raise awareness, create sensitization, and urge governments to prioritize girl child education.
While acknowledging the government’s efforts to improve girl child education, Ogunbeni noted that the lack of educational opportunities for girls often leads to early marriage, which negatively impacts their health, education, and overall well-being.
To inspire young girls, SCI invited successful career women to share their experiences and encourage them to pursue their dreams.
Hajiya Fatsima Hassan, the Director of Women Affairs in Yobe State, commended the government’s recent establishment of girls’ senior secondary schools. She highlighted that this intervention has enabled more girls to continue their education beyond junior secondary school.
Hassan urged parents and guardians to take advantage of these opportunities and send their daughters to school to help them realize their full potential.