The Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, has raised the alarm over the increasing cases of rape and other forms of violence against the girl-child by their fathers and members of the society.
Tallen disclosed this at the state of the Nigerian Girls Summit (SONGS) in Abuja in commemoration of the 2022 International Day of the Girl-Child (IDGC) with the theme, “Our Rights, Our Future” .
The IDGC is commemorated every Oct.11, to celebrate the importance, power, and potentials of adolescent girls around the world, as set aside by United Nations.
According to her, the ministry receives on a daily basis reported cases of rape and other violence against girls and children, particularly the girl-child, lamenting that some of these girls are dying in silence.
“We receive in the ministry on a daily basis and I am sure commissioners can testify at the state level cases, where father’s rape their daughters. It is very sad, it is an abomination. It is unacceptable. But incase it happens, please girls speak out more,” she urged.
She encouraged survivors of Any form of violence to always speak out to ensure justice is served and the perpetrators are prosecuted.
The Minister, while highlighting some of the challenges affecting the girl -child, stressed the need for boys and men to protect and support the fight against Gender Based Violence (GBV).
She said the ministry had engaged in sensitisation campaign for enrollment and retainment of education to atleast senior secondary level.
Tallen, added that the ministry had developed and adopted policies such as the Child Rights Act, Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, launched a presidential campaign to end child marriage and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
In his remarks, the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, stressed the need for stakeholders to address all issues preventing equation developments, especially for the girl-child.
Lawan, represented by Betty Apiafi, Chairman, Senate committee on Women Affairs stressed that all issues preventing equation developments have to be addressed through concerted effort from all stakeholders.
Also, Ms Regine Priso, Education Program Specialist, UNESCO reiterated their commitment towards supporting Nigeria government improve access to quality education, especially for the girl child.
” We provide daily support to the Ministry of Education, to see how they can develop, adopt established education plans that are really involved.
“That ensures education for everybody, according to the commitment that Nigeria took on these special SDG global theme, “she said.
Speaking on behalf of Nigerian children, Miss Aishatu Muazu, student of GSS, Tudun Wada, Wuse, called for collective action to address plights of the girl-child such as child marriage, out of school children, poor education quality, SGBV amongst others.
