From Abubakar Sadiq Mohd, Zaria
Stand with Girls (SWAG) Initiative, an NGO has tasked key stakeholders in education sector to revamp policies that would ensure that girls stay in schools.
This, according to the NGO will significantly reduce the negative indices on early marriage in Northern Nigeria and support the girls to harness their potentials.
Ms. Margaret Bolaji Adebola, founder and executive director of the NGO, said statistics indicated 30% of the girls in the region married before 18 years.
She described the statistics as alarming despite various efforts by the government.
She stated this while celebrating the International day for the girls held at Abdullahi Mahdi Hall in Ahmadu Bello University, ABU, Zaria.
According to her, the statistic indicated that three out of every ten girls marry before adulthood.
"This contributes to high rates of maternal and child morbidity and mortality.While laws and policies are in place to protect girls, their implementation remains insufficient." She observed.
Adebola, said her organization as a youth-led group focused on empowering every girl in Nigeria to achieve her full potential, regardless of her background.
The founder said this year's annual event for the International Day of the Girl Child aimed to be more inclusive by bringing in boys, religious leaders, and parents to emphasize the importance of a comprehensive support system for the girls.
A movie titled 'Nawi' was screened, highlighting the detrimental effects of early marriage and the significance of girls' education.
The event's theme, 'The girl you are, the change that you lead,' encouraged girls to become leaders and instigate positive change.
Adebola stressed that government alone cannot solve these issues, and called for collective efforts from religious and cultural leaders, teachers, parents, and the media to educate the society on the immense power and potential contributions of girls to their homes, communities, and the country.
She assured that after the event, Stand with a Girl initiative plans to compile the commitments made and issues raised by the girls and forward it to the appropriate channel for action.
In his remarks, Kaduna state Commissioner of Education, Prof Abubakar Sani Sambo reaffirms hai ministry's commitment to creating safe learning environment for quality education.
Represented by Dr. Saifullah Abdussalam Lamido, the Commissioner added that such environment will ensure no girl is left behind, regardless of background, location and circumstances.
He assured that kaduna state government will continue to implement policies to promote gender parity in schools, reduce drop out rates among girls and support initiatives that address barriers such as early marriage, gender-based violence and poverty.
The Commissioner urged stakeholders support for girls education through encouragement, mentorship and opportunities, reminding them that girls dreams are valid and right to aspire, lead and succeed.
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