There is the need for stakeholders at all levels to synergize efforts that create sustainable interventions for the right environment for girl children to thrive.
Executive Director Hope For Second Chance foundation, HOSEC, Mrs. Ibunkunoluwa Otesile gave the advice in a message to commemorate the 2022 International Day of the girl child.
Otesile in a statement said focus must be on Adolescents Reproductive Health, Menstrual Health and Hygiene, and Upgrading of Science Laboratories as well as making Computer rooms in Girls schools more functional and accessible.
Otesile said to commemorate this year’s International Day of the Girl Child, Hope For Second Chance Foundation has empowered 600 girls across Ibadan, Osun, Kaduna, Lagos and the FCT with various skills to position them to be change makers.
She said The girls were trained on recycling, renewable energy, IT appreciation and Web Design, Tie n Die, Confectioneries and Ankara Crafts.
“They were also enlightened on Menstrual health and hygiene as they are given free sanitary pads. Pep talks on Sexual Exploitation & Abuse, Substance Abuse and Trafficking were not left behind.
“That’s what we have done. What are you doing? As an individual, as a community, as a Legislator, as an Executive, as a Judiciary, as a religious Leader, as an Industrialist or Business Magnet, as an NGO or CSO, as a Nigerian, there is always something you can do.
“There’s a girl in every home so protecting girls is in the best interest of everyone; therefore, it is everyone’s business.
“Today as Hosec Foundation joins the world to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child, I dare ask our leaders; from last year to now, how many girls schools have had their science laboratories upgraded? How many of our girls’ schools now have functional computer rooms that they have access to, not the ones covered up with the keys kept far away? How many sports initiatives have been targeted at girls to raise more home bred Tobi Amusan? How well have we galvanized our community to stop the blame game and criminalize every form of violence against girls and women? How many women have received their party’s ticket to contest in the forthcoming general elections?”
