The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called for urgent action against challenges faced by the Girl child in order to achieve global goals.
UNICEF’s Chief of the Field Office for South-West Nigeria, Celine Lafoucriere in a statement to commemorate the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child explained that one in every five Women between the ages of 20 and 24 marry as children while up to 75 percent of new HIV infections are among adolescent Girls.
She emphasized that one of every three females suffers from anemia, a form of malnutrition, and others face major impediments to education, employment, and training.
The UNICEF Chief believes being a girl should not determine what you can do, where you can go, or who you can become—added that irrespective of these challenges they must be empowered while still being protected, respected, and given equal opportunity.
She included that girls can reach their full potential and make a positive impact on a more equal world if they are given equal chances, resources, and support.
Lafoucriere called on Keyplayers to support Girls as well as take steps to uphold their rights, advance their education, and give them the necessary platform, and resources needed to succeed.
The Theme for the year’s International Day of the Girl Child is “Girls’ Vision for the Future.”
