Foundation advocates girls’ equal opportunities

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria, a non-governmental organisation, is championing equal opportunities for girls in all aspects of life. Dr Ibrahim Bichi, Nasarawa State Clinical Coordinator, made this appeal on Tuesday in Keffi during an outreach programme to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child (IDGC), celebrated annually on 11 October since 2012.

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This year’s theme, “Girls’ vision for the future,” highlights the need for urgent action and persistent hope, driven by the power of girls’ voices and vision for the future.

According to Bichi, educating girls is crucial, as it benefits the entire community and nation. He emphasised that girls should have equal opportunities, particularly in education.

He said that the state government had made state-owned primary schools free of charge, encouraging community members to support girls’ education.

However, AHF’s Advocacy and Marketing Manager, Steve Aborishade, noted that Nigerian culture disproportionately affected girls and women, denying them equal rights and decision-making power.

“Girls are often forced into marriage upon reaching puberty, and many parents prioritise boys’ education over girls. To address this, AHF distributed two months’ supply of sanitary pads to ensure girls can attend school without interruption,” he said.

Mrs Aisha Ibrahim, Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, represented by Ms Ramatu Muhammed, stated that the commission empowered girls through various skills training and intervened in cases of abuse or forced marriage.

Maryam Alhassan, a student, highlighted the plight of girls, citing limited access to education and job opportunities due to gender discrimination.

She advocated for equal treatment of both genders for the nation’s better development.

The International Day of the Girl Child aims to promote girls’ empowerment and fulfilment of their human rights, with the United Nations emphasising the need to address challenges girls face worldwide.

NAN/Wumi