As the world commemorates International Day of the Girl Child, the Spring of Hope for Girlchild Development Initiative (SHoGDI) has called for increased efforts to safeguard the rights and well-being of girls. This year’s theme, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” highlights the need for significant investment in the future of girls.
In a media statement, SHoGDI’s Founder and Executive Director, Ms. Mimidoo Mirabelle Uhundu, emphasized that addressing issues like girl child education, discrimination, and gender-based violence is critical for empowering girls. She stated, “The Girl today is tomorrow’s Woman,” underscoring the importance of ensuring a safe, inclusive society where girls can thrive.
Uhundu stressed that the Nigerian girl faces longstanding challenges due to religious, traditional, and economic constraints. Breaking these chains is essential to achieving key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as ending poverty, promoting quality education, gender equality, and fostering peace. Families, political parties, and the government must take deliberate steps to empower girls as leaders and changemakers.
She also highlighted SHoGDI’s advocacy for the operationalization of the Benue Sexual Assault and Referral Center (SARC) and the review of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law to improve access to justice for survivors of gender-based violence.
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To girls facing challenges, Uhundu offered words of encouragement: “I celebrate your resilience. Keep your focus, and reach for the sky.”