A Non-governmental organisation, AMcare Foundation has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that girl child is given prominence in the society, stressing that the importance of the girl child cannot be over emphasized.
It cited that if effectively supported during the adolescent years, girls have the potential to change the world.
The Director Administration and Board of Trustee (BOT) member of the AMcare Foundation, Mr. Noah Igbadi, canvassed this in Makurdi, Benue State Capital, during the commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child.
He lamented that today’s generation of girls are disproportionately affected by global crises of climate, conflict, poverty, displacement and other human rights issues which restricts their choices and limits their future.
According to him “AMcare Foundation has joined other stakeholders in taking action to realize a vision of a world in which all girls are protected, respected and empowered, because girls cannot realize this vision alone. They need people to advocate for them and that is exactly what we are doing.”
Optimum Times reports that on December 19, 2011, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170 to declare October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child, to recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.
The day focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights.
Also in 1995 at the World Conference on Women in Beijing, countries unanimously adopted the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the most progressive blueprint ever for advancing the rights of not only women but girls.
The Beijing Declaration is the first to specifically call out girls’ rights.
This year’s theme “Girls vision for the future” indicates the need for urgent action and persistent hope, driven by the power of girls’ voices and vision for the future.
Girls are breaking boundaries and barriers posed by stereotypes and exclusion, including those directed at children with disabilities and those living in marginalized communities.
As entrepreneurs, innovators and initiators of global movements, girls are creating a world that is relevant for them and future generations.
Adolescent girls have the right to a safe, educated, and healthy life, not only during these critical formative years, but also as they mature into women and they have the potential of changing the world as the empowered girls of today and as tomorrow’s workers, mothers, entrepreneurs, mentors, household heads, and political leaders.
Girls are therefore an investment in realising a more equitable and prosperous future.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by world leaders in 2015, embody a roadmap for progress that is sustainable and leaves no one behind.
Achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment is integral to each of the 17 goals. Only by ensuring the rights of women and girls across all the goals will we get to justice and inclusion, economies that work for all, and sustaining our shared environment now and for future generations.
According to a statement signed by the Director, Admin/ BOT member
AMcare Foundation, “Today, as we mark the International Day of the Girl Child, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to promoting the rights, welfare, and well-being of every girl, especially the most vulnerable among us.
“This day serves as a global reminder of the urgent need to address the unique challenges that girls face around the world, from gender-based violence to barriers in education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
“At AMcare Foundation, we recognize the critical role this day plays in amplifying the voices of girls and shining a light on the inequalities they endure. It aligns perfectly with our mission to support and empower vulnerable populations, especially girls who are often marginalized and overlooked in their communities.
“Our work strives to ensure that every girl has access to her rights, opportunities for growth, and the chance to fulfil her potential.
“As the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has emphasized, we must “renew our commitment to ensure girls everywhere can enjoy their rights, including access to education, health care, and protection from violence.”
“His words remind us that global efforts must be intensified to eliminate the systemic obstacles that hinder girls’ empowerment and equality.
“Let this day be a rallying call for all of us partners, advocates, governments, and communities to continue our collective efforts in creating a world where every girl is respected, valued, and given the opportunity to lead a life of dignity and fulfilment.
Together, we can build a brighter, more equitable future for all girls.”
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