Investing in Girls’ Rights: Breaking Barriers & Empowering Their Potential
Efforts towards achieving gender equality and empowering girls have been emphasized once again on the occasion of the International Day of the Girl Child. This year’s theme, Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-Being, highlights the importance of collaboration to overcome the challenges faced by girls in realizing their full potential.
The Director for the Department of Gender in the Volta Region, Thywill Eyra Kpe, stressed the remarkable potential that girls possess. However, she acknowledged that the obstacles they face often outweigh their strength, hindering them from achieving their dreams. Issues such as defilement, rape, sexual and gender-based violence, as well as parental neglect, continue to persist and must be addressed to ensure the development and well-being of girls.
Investing in the girl child is crucial for securing their future. Mrs. Kpe called upon various stakeholders to join forces in eliminating all barriers to the progress of girls. The International Day of the Girl Child aims to identify the challenges faced by girls, amplify their voices, and provide them with the necessary support to fulfill their potential.
Madam Victoria Fato, the Focal Person for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) at the Volta Regional Coordinating Council, urged girls to aspire for greater heights in life. She emphasized the need to promote girls’ empowerment, gender equality, and access to education for all girls worldwide. The Day’s celebration serves as a reminder that girls deserve equal opportunities and resources to thrive in education and personal growth.
Madam Millicent Dakeh, Volta Regional Girl Child Education Officer, encouraged girls to break barriers and stereotypes, assuring them that their dreams are achievable. She urged them not to let anything restrain them from pursuing their desires.
In addition, Madam Patricia Awo Kodjo, Assistant Headmistress in charge of Domestic Affairs at Mawuli School, advised participants to cultivate reading habits. She emphasized the importance of reading at least a page of a book daily to expand their horizons.
Collaboration is essential in the fight for girls’ rights and their empowerment. By investing in girls today, we secure a brighter future for all. It is imperative that the old generation serves as mentors to young people, creating opportunities and an enabling environment for them to thrive.
On the International Day of the Girl Child, let us remember that girls are capable of greatness and that their potential should never be limited. Together, we can break barriers and empower girls to become leaders and achieve their dreams.
