Government Prioritize the rights of girls for a better society : NRHJN

Still on the International Day of the Girl Child, Network of Reproductive Health Journalists of Nigeria, NRHJN, has joined it’s voice with that of the rest of the world to encourage mothers to nurture their girl children to break down traditional, cultural and religious stereotypes that have prevented girls from achieving their goals.

In a message to the occasion, the Lagos State Coordinator of the Network, Kilelomo Oduyebo said, as a network of media professionals,  advocate to bridging the communication gaps in girls’ sexual and reproductive health and rights, becomes paramount as the goal is to ensure that girls reach their full potentials while living healthy and fulfilled lives.

 ” We also advocate an end to female genital mutilation and forced child marriage because schoolgirls need to have access to quality education and safe environment free of harassment, kidnapping, bullying, and defilement ” . Kikelomo

The NRHJN Lagos chapter emphasizes the rights of girls to a safe, uncompromised, and healthy life during their formative years and as they mature into womanhood, they have the potential to change the world as empowered women, workers, mothers, entrepreneurs, mentors, household heads, and political leaders.

” It is believed that investing in the power of adolescent girls upholds their rights and promises equal and prosperous future adding that the network calls for full unhindered achievement of gender equality and girl empowerment as part of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted in 2015 as the Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals 2030 “. 

” We call on Nigerian government at all levels to prioritize the commitment towards ensuring the rights of girls and women on all fronts  that will lead to justice, inclusion, an economy for all and a shared environment for future generations “. Kikelomo 

She promised that the Network will continue to support the government, schools, families,  in empowering the Nigerian girl by providing adequate and equitable educational and instructional resources that would lead to the eradication of all forms of sexual and gender-based violence against girls and women in the society. 

Girls and boys, should be given equal opportunities to thrive in the family, schools, and society for a realistically inclusive society, this the coordinator stressed should not be compromised.

The theme for this year as selected by UNICEF is: “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being” which focuses on taking action to curtail girls’ rights and gain progress on gender equality and equity.