IWD: ‘Proper education crucial for girl child to liberate, equip themselves’

The importance of a girl child acquiring a proper education as a tool to become self-reliant, liberate herself from poverty, and make informed decisions has been emphasised.

This message was conveyed in a lecture by Mrs. Bolarinwa Taiwo, Chief Nursing Officer at Jericho Specialist Hospital, Ibadan. The lecture took place at an event organized by the National Association of Seadogs, Jolly Rogers Deck, to commemorate International Women’s Day this year, held on Friday.

Addressing students of Emamic Model College, Ologuneru, Ibadan, Bolarinwa stressed that the girl child must pursue proper education to reach great heights and seize opportunities for a better life for themselves and their families.

She urged the girl child not to be burdened by cultural preferences for the boy child but to be equipped with knowledge to make informed decisions about their health, thereby reducing maternal mortality and morbidity.

Emphasising the transformative power of education, Bolarinwa highlighted that educated women would confidently advocate for empowerment, equity, female legal rights, the right gender norms, and actively participate in the decision-making process in society.

Bolarinwa noted that with the right education, there would be a reduction in child marriage, early pregnancy, and early motherhood, contributing to a decrease in population explosion, particularly people giving birth to children they cannot care for.

Recognising that education fosters critical thinking, she emphasized that women should lead sustainable development efforts, technological advancements, and innovation.

In his remarks, Mr Okekearu Fabian of the Jolly Rogers Deck urged students to take their education seriously, highlighting the significant achievements of many women who have reached great heights. He stressed that everyone should celebrate women by consistently advocating for women’s rights.

The event featured renditions of poems on the important roles and tenacity of the girl child by students of Emamic College, including Augustine Rosemary and Olufemi Sharon.