MAKURDI – Adinya Arise Foundation (AAF), has urged the Federal and State Governments as well as other relevant agencies in the country to strengthen legal protections and enforce laws that protect girls against sexual violence.
The Executive Director (ED), AAF, Mabel Adinya Ade, disclosed this in her message on the occasion of the International Day of the Girl (IDG), tagged “What Hope for the Future of the Nigerian Girl Child”, which was made available to Daily Independent in Makurdi on Friday.
She also advised Governments to strengthen policies that would entrench free and compulsory education for all girls, with particular emphasis on rural areas as well as areas affected by conflict.
While the ED lamented that laws militating against the enforcement of laws that would protect the rights of girls should be strengthened, she argued that
the enforcement of laws against sexual violence, trafficking, and ritual killings need to be strengthened.
Ade stated that “Government must strengthen policies that mandate free and compulsory education for all girls, with specific attention to conflict-affected and rural areas.
“Parents should be sensitized on the long-term benefits of educating girls, which not only transforms their lives but also contributes to family and national development. This will require more investment in building safe schools, providing scholarships, and offering incentives to families to keep their daughters in school.”
She also stressed the need “For stronger enforcement of laws against sexual violence, trafficking, and ritual killings. The government must ensure that perpetrators are prosecuted and that girls receive the necessary psychosocial and medical support to recover from trauma. Establishing specialized police units trained in handling cases of gender-based violence can provide the necessary protection and recourse for victims.
Advertisement
“A national policy focusing on education, health, and economic empowerment for girls should be developed and implemented with clear metrics and targets. This policy should also address regional disparities and include strategies to ensure the protection of girls in conflict zones.
“Government must strengthen policies that mandate free and compulsory education for all girls, with specific attention to conflict-affected and rural areas. Parents should be sensitized on the long-term benefits of educating girls, which not only transforms their lives but also contributes to family and national development. This will require more investment in building safe schools, providing scholarships, and offering incentives to families to keep their daughters in school.
“There is a need for stronger enforcement of laws against sexual violence, trafficking, and ritual killings. The government must ensure that perpetrators are prosecuted and that girls receive the necessary psychosocial and medical support to recover from trauma. Establishing specialized police units trained in handling cases of gender-based violence can provide the necessary protection and recourse for victims.
“Society and communities should create safe spaces where girls can seek guidance, report abuse, and build life skills. These spaces, both in schools and communities, can offer mentoring and vocational training, fostering girls’ confidence and resilience. Traditional and religious leaders should be actively engaged in breaking down harmful practices and advocating for the protection and empowerment of girls”, Ade said.
Therefore, she recommended that “A national policy focusing on education, health, and economic empowerment for girls should be developed and implemented with clear metrics and targets. This policy should also address regional disparities and include strategies to ensure the protection of girls in conflict zones.
“Governments at Federal, State, and Local levels should adopt gender-responsive budgeting that ensures funding is allocated to programmes benefiting the girl child, including education, healthcare, and protection services.
“The private sector, NGOs, and development partners should collaborate with the government to design and implement programmes that support the holistic development of girls. Public-private partnerships can expand access to technology, training, and entrepreneurship opportunities for girls”, she said. End.
