Ebun Olowu
As the world commemorates the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11, 2020, Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, has called on school administrators of both public and private schools to desist from shaming and expelling a Girl Child from attending School for being pregnant as a result of rape or sexual molestation.
The Minister made the call in Abuja at the launch of the Campaign to support Girl-Child Education.
Dame Pauline Tallen said due to the increase in sexual violence against women and girls during the COVID-19 lockdown, some school girls were victims of gender based violence and are suffering the consequence.
“The girl is always a victim, while the male culprit is left off the hook. I am not supporting promiscuity, but fair is fair. We must as stakeholders resolve to make a difference in the lives of a girl-child in our communities.” The Minister stated.
She called on eminent Nigerians especially women to adopt two or more girls by supporting their education.
In her good will message, the Representative of the UNICEF Nigeria, Ms. Amaden Bolinga explained that 60% of the 13 million out of school children in Nigeria were girls.
She called on Religious and Traditional leaders to support the education of the girl child as influencers for the well being of the girl child.
UN Women country representative, Ms. Comfort Lamptey explained that the education of girl-child was one of the critical areas of championing the rights of women and gender equality.
She said the theme, “my voice, our equal future” was also a call to action and galvanizing all to amplify the voices and actions of adolescent girls in our pride for their equal future”.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President On Women Affairs and Administration, Dr Hajo Sani, urged stakeholders to critically analyze the current situation of the girl child and push forward the agenda for their education and advancement.
There was a candle light session as part of the event in honour of girls who have died due to gender based violence.
