Int’l Day of the Girl Child: Grace Ike Urges Government, Stakeholders to Break Barriers Limiting Girls

By Iyojo Ameh

As Nigeria joins the global community to commemorate the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child, Comrade Grace Ike, Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Abuja Correspondents Chapel, has called on the government, stakeholders, and well-meaning Nigerians to unite in breaking the barriers that limit girls’ potential across the country.

In a statement personally signed, Grace Ike, a journalist and human rights advocate, emphasized the importance of empowering girls to shape the future they envision.

She highlighted how societal, religious, and traditional constraints have continued to hinder the progress of girls, particularly in Nigeria, where they are often marginalized and denied their rightful place in society.

“Today, we join the global community in celebrating the International Day of the Girl Child, a day set aside to acknowledge the unique challenges faced by girls worldwide and to promote their rights and well-being,” Ike stated. She noted that the 2024 theme, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” stresses the significance of empowering girls to imagine and create the world they want to live in.

“In Nigeria, this day holds particular relevance as we recognize the crucial role girls play in shaping the nation’s future. However, many Nigerian girls continue to face severe barriers—ranging from limited access to education, child marriage, gender-based violence, to systemic discrimination—hindering their vision for a better future,” she said.

Grace Ike outlined four critical areas for immediate action:

1. Ensuring Quality Education: Every girl deserves access to quality education, which is essential for enabling them to build the future they aspire to for themselves and their communities.

2. Protection from Violence and Exploitation: Ike stressed the need to eliminate all forms of violence against girls, including child marriage, sexual abuse, and human trafficking. Providing a safe environment is crucial for girls to pursue their dreams without fear.

3. Promoting Health and Well-being: Investing in the health of Nigerian girls is imperative, including access to quality healthcare, menstrual hygiene management, and sexual and reproductive health services.

4. Challenging Gender Norms: Girls should be empowered to participate in decision-making processes at every level. Ike urged society to dismantle harmful gender norms and provide mentorship and platforms that allow girls to express their vision confidently.

In her closing remarks, Ike encouraged Nigerian women and girls to remain resilient in overcoming the challenges they face, while calling on society to work together in building a future where every girl’s vision can be realized.

“On this International Day of the Girl Child, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and potential of every Nigerian girl. They are not just the leaders of tomorrow but the architects of the future they envision today. By standing together, we can support their dreams and create a world where their vision becomes reality. Together, we can build a brighter future for Nigerian girls and our nation,” she concluded.