The Director-General of National Agency for the Prohibition Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Ms Julie Okah-Donli, on Wednesday urged women and girls to defeat all barriers limiting their potentials.

Okah-Donli gave the task at the commemoration of this year’s International Day of the Girl Child organised by the National Centre for Women Development (NCWD) in Abuja.

The theme for the 2018 event is: “ Empower Girls: Before, During and After Conflict’’.

The director-general was represented by the Assistant Director of Public Enlightenment, Mrs Ebele Ulasi.

“Women empowerment in all sectors is such a compelling fact of success, it is essential to build strong economies, establish more stable and just societies and improve quality of life considering the fact women constitute a large number of global population.

“There is need to accelerate the capacities of women and the whole society need to work towards assisting the female gender overcome challenges that impedes their capabilities.

“This can be achieved through gender parity, equity, focusing investments on education, training and professional of women, encouraging mentorship and collaboration,” she said.

Okah-Donli said the crime of human trafficking debases womanhood, saying the prevalence of this heinous crime diminishes the potential of the female gender that form the bulk of its victims.

She said NAPTIP was utilising strategies ranging from policies, prevention, prosecution, protection and partnership to stem the tide of human trafficking.

The President, National Council For Women Societies (NCWD), Mrs Laraba Shoda, underscored the need for sex education in homes and schools, saying many are still ignorant.

She also advised girls to be determined to achieve their dreams, saying education is key.

The National Women Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Hajiya Salamatu Bawa, said the girl child should not be limited to stereotypes.

She said young girls should know their rights, be innovative and contribute meaningfully for the overall development of the country.

The Director-General of NCWD, Mrs Mary Ekpere-Eta, said the observation of the Day supports more opportunities for the girls and increase awareness of gender inequality face by girls worldwide based upon their sex.

She said inequality includes areas such as right to education, nutrition, legal rights, med care and protection from discrimination, violence against and early child marriage.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the day is celebrated annually on Oct. 11. (NAN)

– Oct. 17, 2018 @ 18:59 GMT |