UNICEF urges FG to invest in adolescent girls

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), is calling on the Nigerian government to provide platforms for adolescent girls to express, learn, and thrive in the country.

UNICEF Country representative, Cristain Munduate made the call in a press statement to commemorate the 2023 International Day of the Girl Child.

UNICEF said young girls in the country have abundance of resilience, strength, and potential innate in them to explore adding that the commitment to children must be unwavering and paramount for the nation’s progress.

UNICEF warned that the stakes are high for an estimated 26 million adolescent girls (ages 10-19) in the country, especially those marginalized due to disability, poverty, or crises, and those who are pregnant, parenting, or or forced into marriage.

Munduate advised that the spotlight must remain on championing girls’ education, preventing harmful cultural practices, advancing menstrual hygiene, offering tailored health services, and meeting the nutritional requirements of these young ladies.

“The potential of our girls is limitless, but we must first provide them with the platforms to express, learn, and thrive. Our commitment to this cause is unwavering and paramount for the nation’s progress.”

“In a rapidly evolving world, the dreams and aspirations of our adolescent girls are the beacons that can guide our efforts towards a more inclusive, equitable future.”

“While the terrain might be fraught with challenges, there’s hope. Nigeria’s adolescent girls are not passive bystanders but active agents of change, driving transformative initiatives in their communities. The time has come for their voices to echo louder in the halls of decision-making.

“On this International Day of the Girl, UNICEF Nigeria calls for renewed vigour in safeguarding and fostering the rights of adolescent girls. Their boundless potential deserves nothing less than the country’s utmost commitment and investment.