Marking International Girl Child Day on October 11, 2024, the Ambassador-at-Large/Head of Diplomatic Mission International Human Rights Commission -IHRC in Nigeria, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, called for collective responsibility to support girls’ vision for the future.
According to him, the day reaffirms our dedication to empowering girls’ aspirations, combating gender stereotypes, providing mentorship, ensuring equal access to opportunities, promoting healthy relationships, and driving positive reinforcement aimed at enhancing girls’ education and skills development.
He stressed that education should not be categorised as a gender-specific responsibility, while detrimental gender stereotypes must be confronted.
He asserted that through collective action, a better world can be realised where every girl has the opportunity to thrive and realise her full potential, noting that empowering girls yields universal benefits.
In another development, and as part of activities marking the International Girl Child, the Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) of the International Human Rights Commission -IHRC in Delta State undertook a visit to St. Gokate High School, Obiaruku, located in Ukwuani LGA.
Fidelis Onakpoma, Regional Coordinator for South-South at IHRC SMM, led the delegation comprising Sharon Tedeke, Anslem Eyimofe Uyala, Rotarian, and Paul Opia.
The team underscored education as the vital component of girls’ empowerment, pointing out its substantial impact on community development and fostering a culture that values inclusivity, creativity, and sustained growth.
The team issued an additional call to action, encouraging parents and the community at large to confront and overcome societal norms and stereotypes that hinder girls’ growth, stressing the essential partnership between parents, educators, community leaders, and policymakers in establishing a supportive environment for girls to thrive.
“We must dedicate ourselves to enabling a generation of Nigerian girls whose goals and dreams are deeply valued, respected, and supported.”
Recall that the International Human Rights Commission -IHRC is a Transnational Intergovernmental Organization led by Secretary-General Prof. Rafał Marcin Wasik, IHRC World Chairman, and H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, Nigeria’s Ambassador-at-Large/Head of Diplomatic Mission.
Its Special Monitoring Mission in Nigeria, headed by Engr. Comrade Elijah Vitus Echendu, provides support to victims of human rights violations, conducts fact-finding missions and investigations, and engages in advocacy with local stakeholders, governments, and civil society.
Reported:
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head Media and Strategic Communications, IHRC Nigeria
I like that. “Empowering girls yields universal benefits.”
We lift those who have been oppressed, and we lift humanity.
The stereotypes are but powerplays. We must see the truth: we are all equal under God.
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”
3 John 1:4 KJV
https://bible.com/bible/1/3jn.1.4.KJV