The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has expressed concern that millions of girls across the world are left behind, confronted by extreme challenges that deny them their rights, restrict their choices, and limit their futures, and calls for action.
Celine Lafoucriere, Chief of UNICEF Field Office for South West Nigeria, in a statement to newsmen to mark the 2024 International Day of the Girl, said being a girl shouldn’t determine what you can do, where you can go, or who you can become.
Lafoucriere, who described the theme of this year, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” as apt, noted that it reflected the findings from a UNICEF analysis, which showed that girls are not only courageous in the face of challenges but hopeful for the future.
She said, “Too many are being left behind, confronted by extreme challenges that deny them their rights, restrict their choices, and limit their futures.
“Today, one in five young women aged between 20 and 24 years were married as children. Nearly one in four partnered or married adolescent girls has experienced sexual or physical abuse.
“Globally, 75 percent of new HIV infections among adolescents occur in girls. One in three adolescent girls suffers from anaemia, which is a form of malnutrition.
“Almost double the number of adolescent girls (one in four) compared to boys are not in any form of education, employment, or training.”
Lafoucriere expressed optimism about girls’ potential to respond positively to societal changes aimed at addressing their challenges, saying, “The good news is that change is possible.”
However, she stressed that girls cannot effect this change alone; they require allies who are willing to listen and respond to their needs.
“Together, we can build a future in which every girl’s rights are protected. We see girls taking action every day to realise the vision of a world where all girls are protected, respected, and empowered, she said.”
“However, girls alone cannot bring about the desired change. They need allies who listen to and respond to their needs—like you and me. Together, we can build a future in which every girl’s rights are protected.”
She noted that with the right support, resources, and opportunities, the potential of girls worldwide is limitless, urging collective action to support girls everywhere.
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