General News
Child and Youth Protection Foundation(CYPF), an NGO, on Friday called for more investments to improve girls’ education, skills, and job prospects in the country.
The Programme Coordinator, CYPF, Mr Kolawole Olatosimi, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, in an interview to commemorate the International Day of the Girl-Child.
NAN reports that the theme, “Girl Force: Unscripted and Unstoppable”, highlights how with the right skills and support, girls can break barriers and build a better world for themselves and future generations.
He said more attention should be given to girls’ education by providing job-relevant skills and training, to enable them to participate in the workforce.
“We stress the importance of creating opportunities and safe spaces for girls’ voices to be heard and listened to in decisions that affect them.
“Poverty is a key driver of child marriage and girls from poor families are more likely to become child brides than those from wealthier households.
“If we really want to tackle poverty and end child marriage, we must give all girls the tools they need to invest in themselves,” Olatosimi said.
He said there was need to provide the girl-child with the quality education and training needed to earn an income and create a better future for themselves and their family.
According to him, Every year, 12 million girls are married globally before the age of 18, depriving them of their rights to education, health and a life of their choosing.
“Evidence shows that girls who attend secondary school are three times less likely to be child brides.
“They also have better economic prospects, fewer and healthier children, and are more likely to ensure that their own children are not married before 18.
“Then girls that are educated instead of being married young and have opportunities to earn an income, they are more likely to lead happier, healthier lives, and to contribute to the growth and development of their communities,” he said.
Olatosimi said ending child marriage had to be a critical part of creating a ‘GirlForce’ of empowered girls, who are able to reach their full potential, whilst ensuring we meet our global development goals.
He, however, called on all stakeholders in the country to come together to ensure the protection the girl-child and also empower them to become the change agent they are meant to be.
CYPF is a member of Girls Not Brides, a global partnership of more than 1300 civil society organisations from over 100 countries committed to ending child marriage and enabling girls to fulfill their potential. (NAN)
-Oct 11, 2019 @16:35 GMT |
Tags: Girl-Child Day: Foundation calls for more attention on education
