By Gloria Osemudiamhen
The Coordinator, Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, has called for collective action among relevant stakeholders to address the myriads of challenges facing the girl child in the State.
Speaking at an event, tagged “Save the Girl-Child” organised by the Office of the Vice President of the Student Union Government, University of Benin, which held at the School auditorium, Mrs. Anani identified limited access to education, health disparities, exploitation, violence, amongst others, as key issues affecting girls.
According to Mrs. Anani, “In many societies, girls face significant challenges that hinder their growth and development. It’s our collective responsibility to ensure every girl has access to quality education, healthcare, and safety. Many girls are denied the opportunity to attend school, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality. Girls often have limited access to healthcare, leading to poor health outcomes and increased mortality rates, especially in rural areas.”
She highlighted other aspects such as cultural, religious, and socio-economic barriers, including gender stereotypes, preference for male children, early marriage, and poverty, as factors militating against the girl child. While emphasizing the importance of empowering girls through education, healthcare, and protection from exploitation, she noted that educated girls can drive economic growth, promote social justice, and raise healthier children.
Mrs. Anani asserted, “When we save and empower a girl child, we do more than improve her life. We uplift families, communities, and entire nation. Educated girls become strong women who contribute to their families and economies. Ensure every girl has access to quality education, free from fear of discrimination or harm.”
She urged relevant stakeholders to collaborate in creating a society where every girl child is valued, protected, and empowered, saying that by striking synergy with relevant stakeholders, a brighter future could be built for generations to come. In her words, “Gender equity and parity should be the bedrock of our society. By working together, we can build a world where every girl child can thrive, grow, and reach her full potentials. We can make a difference and ensure a brighter future for generations to come.”
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Chief Bisi Idaomi, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Joy Irenose Ihensekhien, commended the Vice President, Comrade Favour Omotuemen’s boldness and for taking her space in leadership.
According to Chief Idaomi, “In the longest time, we have not had a girl aspire to be in that position, so I must really applaud her for being bold and taking that step. Now she’s the one representing everybody in the University. We are here today to educate students on issues of sexual harassment and gender-based violence. The girl child should be heard and valued. As a Ministry, we provide support for the girl child through our skills Acquisition Centre.”
Chief Idaomi advocated for the enactment of a sexual harassment policy, saying, “We learned today that we need a sexual harassment policy. So, I want to call on everybody, especially the Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin and the Student Union, to come together. They’ve given us the steps, so that policy will be in place. That way, anyone who goes through those sorts of issues will know what to do. That’s the policy that will be the legal framework for bringing people to justice within the School.”
Comrade Omotuemen highlighted the importance of the Event in addressing gender-based violence (GBV), saying, “This advocacy programme aims to address issues faced by the girl child, including limited participation in leadership and sexual harassment. As one of the few females in leadership positions, I realised the need to encourage female students, particularly at the University of Benin, to participate in politics and leadership.
“The programme is designed for both male and female students, as we all have a role to play in creating a more equitable society. By sharing their experiences and knowledge, our speakers will help students unlearn harmful stereotypes and relearn positive values that will benefit them throughout their lives.”
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of leadership awards to Mrs. Anani, Chief Idaomi and distribution of sanitary pads to female students.
