The Anambra State government has joined other states of the federation to celebrate World Girl-Child Day. The theme of this year’s celebration is: “With Her’ A skilled Girl Force’’.

This means that to develop, ‘A Skilled Girl Force’, the global community should rapidly expand access to inclusive education and training.

Joe Akubuike, commissioner for Health, said that Oct.11 every year had been set aside by the UN General Assembly with an aim to promote girls’ empowerment as well as a fulfilment of their human rights.

Akabuike emphasised that the significance of the celebration was to raise awareness of the issues facing girls globally.

The issues include those pertaining to education, nutrition, child marriage, equality, access to services regarding puberty, Legal and medical Rights.

“The celebration advocates for a meaningful participation of girls in decision-making, that affects them and to break the cycle of discrimination and violence against women in general,’’ he said.

Akabuike cautioned them against abuse of alcohol and drugs, effect of abortion on girls’ menstrual hygiene and nutrition and dangers of cultism.

The health commissioner stressed that other activities lined up to commemorate the day include symposium, road walk, school debates.

Akabuike added that global community would need to improve the equality and gender responsiveness in teaching and learning to enable girls to develop foundational, transferable and job-specific skills for life and work.

“It should create inclusive and accessible schools, training and learning opportunities to empower girls with disabilities,’’ he said.

– Oct. 12, 2018 @ 17:57 GMT |