Group campaigns for girl child education in Kwara

A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Home and Street Kids Welfare Initiative (HSKI), on Thursday in Ilorin, Kwara, sensitised women on the importance of education in leadership, especially for women.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of the group, Miss Funmi Omisope, said that the programme was meant to encourage women at the grassroots to promote the girl child education.

Omisope said that the programme was also aimed at sensitising women and encouraging them to get an education so as to be able to actively participate in leadership.

“It is only education that can make women to be recognised in society, especially in leadership and this starts with educating our girl child.

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“By sending them to school to acquire education, they gain confidence and can stand against any form of gender discrimination and harassment.

“It is when they do not know their rights that they fall victims of societal discrimination and other forms of gender inequality and violence.

“I urge mothers to make sure that their girl child acquires education no matter what the cost may be and this includes even the physically challenged ones.

“This is the only security they have for the future.

“Women should desist from any form of discrimination among one another and love and support other women whenever they are in a position of authority.

“I also implore our men and fathers to support their wives and daughters to attain enviable heights in society,” she said.

Mrs Basirat Adubi, a participant, said Nigerians should realise that educating and empowering the girl child amounted to empowering families and the nation at large.

She added that the programme was an eye opener for most women in the state, especially as it involved the girl child.

“With what I heard today, although I am not educated, I will try my best to make sure my girls go to school; we only need committed help from the government.

“If only they can keep to their promises about education, we will be glad,” she said.

Another participant, Mrs Damola Adebiyi said: “I have learnt a lot from this session. It is good to be enlightened once in a while, and the fact that we are educated does not mean we know it all.

“I urge women in Nigeria to find time to attend lectures and community programmes that have to do with women and the girl child as it will benefit us a lot,” she said.