By Bridget Ikyado Tikyaa
The Executive Director of Adinya Arise Foundation (AAF), Mabel Adinya Ade, has canvassed for a comprehensive National Girl Child Development Policy to support holistic development of the girl-child In Nigeria.
Adinya -Ade said in Makurdi in a paper on the significance of the International Day of the Girl Child, that the new National Girl Child Development Policy should focus on education, health, and economic empowerment for girls.
She said the International Day of the Girl Child was an opportunity to reflect on the state of girls in Nigeria, a country where numerous barriers continue to undermine the potential of the girl child.
She said despite progress in some areas, access to education, menstrual health, protection from gender-based violence, and safe environments remain significant challenges for millions of Nigerian girls.
“As a result, the Nigerian girl child finds herself caught in a complex web of cultural, social, and economic barriers, depriving her of the opportunity to thrive,” she added.
According to her, these challenges could be comprehensively addressed if Nigeria adopts a new national policy on the girl child that provides holistic intervention strategies.
“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,” she stressed.
The Executive Director also said Gender-Responsive Budgeting should be institutionalised at Federal, State, and Local levels to proper allocation of funds to programmes benefiting the girl child, including education, healthcare, and protection services.
According to her, a strong partnership must be developed between the public and private sectors as well organisations promoting the interest of the girl-child.
“Public-private partnerships can expand access to technology, training, and entrepreneurship opportunities for girls,” she added.
The Founder believes that a strong policy will address the multifaceted challenges facing the Nigerian girl child, ensure strategic holistic interventions in the areas of education, health, protection, and socio-economic empowerment.
She expressed confidence that when parents, society, and the government work together, the full potential of girls in Nigeria will be unlocked.
Adinya -Adeexplained that under the new policy, government must strengthen policies that mandate free and compulsory education for all girls, with specific attention to conflict-affected and rural communities.
“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 is also of the opinion that the new girl child policy should comprehensively include investment in Menstrual Health Management through partnership with NGOs and the private sector.
“It should make sanitary products available in schools and communities, especially in rural areas. Schools must be equipped with hygiene facilities and girls should receive menstrual health education to reduce absenteeism. Menstrual health education must also be integrated into school curricula to destigmatize the natural biological process.”
The Executive Director also canvassed for stronger enforcement of laws against sexual violence, trafficking, and ritual killings, adding that “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.”
She also advocated for more Safe Spaces for Girls at community level 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.
“To reduce early marriage and improve girls’ autonomy, economic empowerment programmes targeting families, particularly in rural areas, must be established. Training programsme that provide families with skills to increase income will reduce the economic incentives for child marriage, allowing girls to continue their education.”
She also stressed the need to ramp up provision of reproductive health services especially in rural areas.
“The government, in collaboration with health institutions, must expand access to reproductive health services and education, particularly in conflict-affected areas.
“This includes access to family planning, prenatal care, and prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
“The integration of reproductive health education into school curricula can equip girls with the knowledge to protect themselves from unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.
She also suggested the political and economic empowerment of girls by providing them with appropriate leadership skills to prepare them for future roles in the political and economic spheres.
“This could be through mentorship programmes, targeted scholarships, and initiatives that expose girls to governance, entrepreneurship, and leadership at a young age,” the
Adinya Arise Foundation executive director added.
