By Justina Auta
Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen, on Tuesday decried the increasing cases of rape and other forms of violence against the girl-child by their fathers and members of the society.
Tallen stated this at the state of the Nigerian Girls Summit (SONGS) in Abuja, in commemoration of the 2022 International Day of the Girl-Child (IDGC).
The IDGC is commemorated every October 11, to celebrate the importance, power, and potentials of adolescent girls around the world, as set aside by United Nations.
According to her, the ministry receives on a daily basis reported cases of rape and other violence against girls and children, particularly the girl-child.
“Some of these girls are dying in silence and we must do everything possible to identify and address some of these problems by getting closer to them.
“We receive in the ministry on a daily basis and I am sure commissioners can testify at the state level, cases where fathers rape their daughters.
“It is very sad, it is an abomination. It is unacceptable. But incase it happens, please girls speak out more,” she said.
She encouraged survivors of any form of violence to always speak out to ensure justice was served and the perpetrators prosecuted.
The Minister, while highlighting some of the challenges affecting the girl -child, stressed the need for boys and men to protect and support the fight against Gender Based Violence (GBV).
She said the ministry had engaged in sensitisation campaign for enrollment and retainment of education to at least senior secondary level.
Tallen added that the ministry had developed and adopted policies such as the Child Rights Act, Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, launched a presidential campaign to end child marriage and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
Also, Senate President Ahmad Lawan stressed the need for stakeholders to address all issues preventing equation developments, especially for the girl-child.
Lawan was represented by Betty Apiafi, Chairman, Senate committee on Women Affairs.
“As citizens, we have to come to a stage where all issues preventing equation developments have to be addressed through concerted effort from all stakeholders,” Lawan said.
Also, Ms Regine Priso, Education Program Specialist, UNESCO, reiterated their commitment towards supporting Nigeria government to improve access to quality education, especially for the girl child.
”We provide daily support to the Ministry of Education, to see how they can develop, adopt established education plans that are really involved.
“That ensures education for everybody, according to the commitment that Nigeria took on these special SDG global theme,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of Nigerian children, Miss Aishatu Muazu, student of GSS, Tudun Wada, Wuse, called for collective action to address plight of the girl-child such as child marriage, out of school children, poor education quality, SGBV, amongst others.
The wives of Katsina, Ogun, Lagos and Zamfara state governors were at the event.
The 2022 theme: “Our Rights, Our Future”, intends to educate and empower girls to succeed by taking control of their health, promoting girls’ rights and bringing awareness to the challenges they face.
Other highlight of the event included distribution of free sanitary pads, writing materials, school bags and dance presentations from various government and private school students in the FCT and its environs.
