As the world marks International Day of the Girl Child, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has stressed the harsh realities confronting millions of girls globally, even as it disclosed that one in five young women aged 20 to 24 are married as children.
UNICEF data showed that nearly one in four adolescent girls in a marriage or partnership have faced sexual or physical abuse; 75 per cent of new HIV infections among adolescents occur in girls;
One in three adolescent girls suffers from anaemia, a form of malnutrition, and almost double the number of teenage girls (one in four) compared to boys who are out of education, employment, or training.
Under the theme “Girls’ Vision for the Future”, International Day of the Girl Child amplifies the voices and leadership of girls worldwide.
Chief of the UNICEF field office for South-west Nigeria, Celine Lafoucriere, in an interview with journalists, stressed the harsh realities confronting millions of girls globally, adding that “One in five young women aged 20 to 24 were married as children. Nearly one in four adolescent girls in a marriage or partnership have faced sexual or physical abuse”.
Despite these daunting challenges, Lafoucriere highlighted the hope and resilience of girls leading efforts to shape a future where their rights are protected. “With the right support, resources, and opportunities, the potential of girls worldwide is limitless”, she added.
Lafoucriere urged allies across all sectors to step up and advocate for girls’ rights. “Girls cannot bring about the change they need alone. We must act as allies to build a future in which every girl’s rights are fully realised”, she said, calling for collective action to ensure that girls are empowered to achieve their dreams.
International Day of the Girl is a reminder that empowering girls is essential for global progress, and when girls succeed, everyone benefits.
