Victor EzejaAs the world celebrated the International Day of the Girl Child, the United States Consulate in Lagos stressed the need for adequate protection of girls from gender-based violence and granting them access to quality education.
U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Officer, Joe Kruzich who made the call on Tuesday, stated that to achieve the collective goal of having a peaceful and prosperous world, every society must ensure that all girls are adequately educated, safe and healthy to be able contribute their quota in socio-economic and political activities of their communities.
He added that the girl Child need to be empowered through learning new vital skills, to enable them become future leaders.
Kruzich stated this while delivering his remarks at the event held by the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos, in collaboration with the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Alumnae Association of Nigeria on Tuesday.
The consulate hosted 100 schoolgirls from across Nigeria to mark the International Day of the Girl Child, while highlighting the importance of girls’ empowerment through increased access to education.
The International Day of the Girl Child focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights.
The event with the theme, “Our time is now, our right, our future,” provided the high school girls the opportunity to learn about emotional intelligence, how they can harness their skills, identify career choices and opportunities to study in the U.S. colleges and universities.
Kruzich said the U.S. government works closely with partners and civil society organizations to help girl children live free from gender-based violence, learn new skills, and become future leaders.
“To achieve our collective goal of creating a peaceful and prosperous world, we must help ensure all girls are educated, healthy, and safe so they can participate fully in the social, economic, political, and cultural life of their communities,” Kruzich said.
He described the variety of U.S. government programs such as TechGirls, TechWomen and Academy for Women Entrepreneurs that prioritise and empower girls and young women so they can thrive and succeed and make a long-lasting positive impact on their own future.
Kruzich noted that girls and women’s empowerment and integration are key to Nigeria’s long-term economic development.
“Societies in which girls are enabled to be full and free participants are safer, more secure, and more prosperous,” he added.
He lauded the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Alumnae Association of Nigeria for their commitment to supporting the next generation of girls and women by connecting them with networks and opportunities needed to advance their careers and dreams in diverse fields.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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