13 October 2020
As the World Commemorates the Int'l Day of the Girl child 2020, Government and Stakeholders have been reminded of the need to address the many challenges facing the girl child in the Society.
The State Chairman of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Cross River State Chapter, Comrade Umo Basi-Edet who made the call in Calabar lamented the increasing challenges facing the Girl-child.
According to her, Statistics show that one in 5 girls globally has experienced Sexual Violence and 12 million are married before 18 each year across the world.
The fragile Economic situation today has increased the risk of exploitation of girls, including trafficking for the purpose of Labour or sexual exploitation.
Comrade Umo Basi-Edet observed that the Girl child constantly faces several life threatening challenges including Rape, Early Marriage, Abuse and a lot of Gender Based Violence.
She emphasized that with the theme 'MY VOICE, OUR EQUAL FUTURE', it has become imperative that the girl child be given a chance to express herself and talk about issues affecting them.
The NAWOJ Chairman says we need a Society where girls voices are heard, welcomed, respected and their views are acted upon while also protecting all their rights.
