In recognition of the International Day of the Girl Child, Amnesty International (AI) has called upon the Nigerian authorities to prioritise the reintegration and Empowerment of girls and young women who have endured the impacts of terrorism, especially those impacted by insurgencies. This appeal is particularly vital for survivors such as the Chibok girls, who were taken by Boko Haram and have now come back home. While these girls have returned, they still confront many serious obstacles. During an event held in Abuja, Barbara Magaji, Amnesty International’s Program Manager in Nigeria, highlighted the urgency for swift measures.
On International Day of the Girl, they express their solidarity with girls in conflict areas. Only through collective efforts for Peace can they alleviate the harmful effects of warfare on girls globally, Magaji stated. She emphasised the struggles of Nigerian girls who have endured serious abuses at the hands of terrorist organisations and, in some instances, from Security personnel as well. The Chibok girls, taken hostage in 2014, are just a tiny part of the countless young women impacted by extremist organisations. Several survivors came back home with children and now face rejection from their communities. Often referred to as “children of terrorists”, these individuals encounter severe social and emotional challenges.
Early marriages, violence based on gender, and others will be addressed.
Magaji urged for the inclusion of these young women and their children back into the community, promoting their rights to education, healthcare, and job opportunities. This year, their efforts center on helping these girls and young women reintegrate into society, making sure they are remembered. They should have access to the essential resources needed to reconstruct their lives. The significance of this initiative is immense, as it tackles the trauma these young individuals have experienced and paves the way for a more inclusive community.
Although efforts have been made in Gender Equality efforts, several girls in Nigeria still encounter considerable obstacles, such as early marriages, violence based on gender, and limited educational opportunities. ActionAid Nigeria, a non-governmental organisation focused on tackling these problems, emphasised the pressing necessity to confront the persistent difficulties that Nigerian girls endure. Andrew Mamedu, the Country Director for ActionAid Nigeria, emphasised that this year’s theme, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” underscores the crucial importance of uniting to tackle the challenges girls encounter. Girls are not merely onlookers in the quest for change; they are the builders of a fairer and brighter future, Mamedu remarked.
Only 47% of girls are enrolled in school in some Northern regions.
In certain areas of Northern Nigeria, merely 47% of girls are enrolled in school, with problems such as Child Marriage and adolescent pregnancy remaining distressingly high. Mamedu emphasised the need for a multifaceted strategy to tackle these issues, which should encompass policy reforms, educational outreach within communities, and ongoing backing for programs that advocate for the rights of girls. A significant concern recognised is the perspective maintained by some individuals in Northern Nigeria that providing Education for girls is pointless since they will ultimately become wives.
Mamedu called on leaders to confront these damaging beliefs and emphasise the importance of girls’ education as a way to empower communities and promote sustainable growth. To promote change, ActionAid Nigeria implemented research initiatives led by girls in various communities in Jigawa and Abuja. The results emphasised the significant impact girls have in tackling their issues, including menstrual health management and violence prevention strategies. Favour Usman from the girl-led research expressed her aspirations for a brighter future, urging for enhanced education opportunities, safer spaces, and more robust Legislation to safeguard girls against violence.
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Moreover, she emphasised that girls should not be seen merely as individuals in distress but as strong catalysts for transformation. She urged the government to assist by offering scholarships, low-cost educational supplies, and secure environments for girls to flourish. Usman additionally pushed for increased awareness regarding menstrual health topics, calling on the government to ensure the availability of complimentary sanitary products and education on menstrual hygiene practices. By focusing on their education, safeguarding their rights, and enabling them to take on leadership roles, Nigeria can foster a fairer community for everyone.