Empowering girls key to global development, says UNICEF

Chief of the UNICEF Field Office for southwest Nigeria, Celine Lafoucriere, said girls worldwide have limitless potential if given the right support, resources, and opportunities.

She made this statement to mark International Day of the Girl Child on October 11, a significant global moment to celebrate girls and amplify their voices and leadership.

She said, “This year’s theme, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” resonates with findings from a UNICEF analysis, which highlights girls’ courage and hope in facing challenges.

“We see girls taking action daily to realise their vision of a world where they are protected, respected, and empowered. However, they cannot bring about the desired change alone. They need allies like you and me who will listen to and respond to their needs. Together, we can create a future where every girl’s rights are upheld. Evidence shows that with the right support, girls can achieve incredible things, and when they succeed, we all move closer to our global goals.”

Lafoucriere stressed the urgent need for children’s rights, stating, “Being a girl should not determine what you can do, where you can go, or who you can become. Unfortunately, this is the reality for millions of girls worldwide. Too many are left behind, facing extreme challenges that deny them their rights and limit their futures.”

She pointed out alarming statistics that one in five young women aged 20 to 24 were married as children, and nearly one in four partnered or married adolescent girls had experienced sexual or physical abuse.

“Furthermore, 75 per cent of new HIV infections among adolescents occur in girls, and one in three adolescent girls suffers from anaemia, a form of malnutrition.

Lafoucriere also revealed that nearly double the number of adolescent girls (one in four) compared to boys were not engaged in education, employment, or training.

Despite these challenges, she remains optimistic, “Change is possible. But girls need allies to help protect their rights and foster an environment where they can thrive.”