Plan International Nigeria (PIN) has called on policymakers to champion the cause of girls and young women in the formulation and reformation of policies and legislative acts.
It expressed worry that about 30% of girls under the age of 18 have been forced into early marriage in Nigeria.
It also called on the government, citizens and all stakeholders to prioritise education as a universal right and urging the elimination of child and forced marriages and societal acceptance for girls and young women to assume leadership roles in Nigeria.
The country director, Charles Emmamuzou Usie, made the call in Abuja at the launch of a new campaign #StandWithGirls
Usie said the campaign, #StandWithGirls, further reinforces its commitment in the new Country Strategy in Nigeria, titled “Girls Are Empowered To Take Action And Drive Change” targeted at 20 million girls to learn, lead, decide and thrive in Nigeria.
He stated that the #StandWithGirls campaign by Plan International seeks to rally individuals, institutions, and structures into a movement led by, for, and of girls, dedicated to mobilising and organising through solidarity actions, petitions, capacity building, and empowerment to drive transformative change.
“We call on policy makers who as duty-bearers with constitutional responsibilities, to align with and champion the cause of girls and young women in the formulation and reformation of policies and legislative acts.
“We believe that this support is pivotal in shaping an environment that nurtures the growth and development of girls, providing them with the opportunities to learn, thrive, lead, and make informed decisions.
“We also call on all citizens of Nigeria, in whom the sovereignty of the country is vested, and all persons living therein, to rally behind girls and young women. It is crucial to ensure that education becomes a universal right. We urge the elimination of child and forced marriages and seek societal acceptance for girls and young women to assume leadership roles, thereby contributing to nation-building through the establishment of organising structures specifically designed for them in Nigeria,” Usie stated.