A non-governmental organisation known as the ‘AIDS Healthcare Foundation’, AHF Nigeria, has reiterated its commitment to address issues around gender-based violence.
In a statement issued by AHF Nigeria Country Programme Director, Dr Echey Ijezie, on Friday and made available to journalists in Makurdi, she said that the organisation is poised to expand the access that girls have to education, provide comprehensive healthcare, empower them economically, and ensure that they have a voice in this year’s celebration of the International Day of the Girl (IDG).
Dr Ijezie said that with the International Day of the Girl (IDG) 2024, part of AHF’s vision is to “address issues around gender-based violence, menstrual health management, and age-appropriate comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) and reinforce the importance of girls staying in school, avoiding unplanned pregnancy, building life skills, and other vital issues affecting their health.”
Consequently, the Country Programme Director said AHF has outlined programmes to commemorate International Day of the Girl (IDG) 2024 with a special in Benue, Abuja and Nasarawa states
Dr Ijezie said, “The unique way to empower our girls today is for us as a people to commit to breaking down gender stereotypes, which drives the violence women and girls go through in our society.
“For a start, we must ensure we expand the access that girls have to education, provide comprehensive healthcare, empower them economically, and ensure that girls have a voice and a seat at the table where decisions about their wellbeing are being made.”
According to him, AHF would bring together out-of-school girls from Garaku, Sabongida and Jigwada (all in Nasarawa state) to join students from high schools in Keffi, Nasarawa State, in a public ceremony to commemorate the day.
He also explained that in Abuja and Benue, members of the AHF Girls Act shall be involved in community advocacies to commemorate the IDG, host a virtual session to look at the challenges facing girls and host a dedicated podcast reviewing issues facing girls.
He elaborated that the IDG would also be an avenue to amplify the voices and visions of girls and young women while advocating for comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) and supportive policies around gender-based violence (GBV).
He quoted data from UNICEF that 75% of new HIV infections among adolescents occur in girls, and nearly one in four partnered or married adolescent girls have experienced sexual or physical abuse. IDG events promoting comprehensive sexuality education and gender equality raise awareness and help girls live healthier, empowered lives.
Therefore, Dr Ijezie said, “AHF, Nigeria, is proud to commemorate International Day of the Girl (IDG) 2024 with a special event at Keffi, Nasarawa State, on Monday, October 14, to amplify the voices and visions of girls and young women while advocating for CSE and GBV.
“Advocates will address issues around gender-based violence, menstrual health management, and age-appropriate CSE and reinforce the importance of girls staying in school, avoiding unplanned pregnancy, building life skills, and other vital issues affecting their health.
“AHF Nigeria’s International Day of the Girl event will bring together out-of-school girls from Garaku, Sabongida, and Jigwada to join students from high schools in Keffi in a public ceremony to commemorate the day of the girl. Earlier on, we brought together peer leaders from these communities for a pre-event orientation on GBV, menstrual health, and building life skills.
“AHF Nigeria shall be joined by officials of the Nasarawa State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Nasarawa State Ministry of Education, Nasarawa State Agency for the Control of AIDS, Keffi Area Council, civil society groups, and the media.
“There would be an educative session on GBV and menstrual health management with free distribution of sanitary pads with traditional dancers on hand to provide entertainment.
“The unique way to empower our girls today is for us as a people to commit to breaking down gender stereotypes, which drives the violence women and girls go through in our society. For a start, we must ensure we expand the access that girls have to education, provide comprehensive healthcare, empower them economically, and ensure that girls have a voice and a seat at the table where decisions about their wellbeing are being made.”
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