In commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child, Women Empowerment Education and Peace Building Initiative (WEPBI), with the generous sponsorship from Global Affairs Canada and support from Action Aid, organized a thought-provoking event, State of the Nigeria Girls Summit (SONGS), in Enugu North Local Government Area, Enugu State. The event included a Focus Group Discussion and a Panel Conversation featuring key stakeholders from various schools and communities.
The Executive Director of WEPBI, Oguadimma Ijeoma Joy, took the stage and urged the participants, mainly young girls, to voice their concerns and highlight areas where they feel they are not receiving the necessary attention. She emphasized that as girls, nothing should hinder them from expressing themselves or reaching their full potential.
Mrs. Felicia Kenechukwu, a facilitator at the event, stressed the importance of empowering girls to boost their self-esteem. She advised that acquiring practical skills should be encouraged from an early age.
During the event, a participant from Day Secondary School Independence Layout Enugu courageously expressed her dissatisfaction with the way girls are often treated at home. She cited parents as a major reason why girls often remain silent, claiming that their contributions to family discussions are sometimes overlooked or disregarded.
Nwadi Florence, another participant, spoke about the emotional toll that mockery and victimization can have on girls when they speak out. She pointed out that this can lead to withdrawal and, eventually, depression.
Miss Ewoh Sandra NKechi, a teacher and guidance counselor, participated as one of the panelists. She highlighted the collective failure of both the government and parents in ensuring the well-being of the girl child. She argued that this has led to a society where many young girls are unable to express themselves freely.
The event underscored the critical need to prioritize the well-being of the girl child in Nigerian society. Girls are among the most vulnerable members of the community, and it is the responsibility of every citizen to play their part in supporting them.