By Grace Udofia
As the world celebrates the International Day of the Girl Child, the United Nations (UN) and its subsidiaries have stressed the need for societies to allow the girl child decide her future and soar like her male counterparts.
The UN in a global message to the Girl Child, explained that every single girl has the right to chase her dreams and develop the skills needed to succeed wherever they choose.
The message reads “As we prepare to mark the “The Day of the Girl Child”, let’s continue breaking gender stereotypes and help build an equal world For Every Child.
“Every single girl has the right to chase their dreams and develop or every skill available to succeed anywhere
“When girls are empowered, it benefits all. Empowered girls grow into empowered women who can care better for themselves, their families, and their communities.
“We must come together and tear down barriers of discrimination and prejudice that continue to hold girls back”.
UN also called on for leaders to ensure that girls are empowered not only in their communities, but in the digital world, by extending access to these technologies and ensuring safeguards to prevent exploitation and abuse.
Executive Director of United Nations Fund Population Activities (UNFPA) Natalia Kanem, in a statement observing the day said “We must not tolerate a digital world that reinforces inequality. Instead, let’s use these tools to close the gender power gap for girls.
“Around the world, UNFPA is working with girls to develop digital tools that deliver sexual and reproductive health information and services, and to empower those most left behind”.
