International Day Of The Girl Child: Girls Rights Matter
Fozao Vaniela
. View of participants
Young girls have been called upon to stand for their rights in the society especially when it concerns sex education.
The call was made by the psychological support officer in the TeenAlive Organization, Madam Neng Judith in a one day event at the delegation of social affairs, 15th October 2022 with about 36 young girls present.
"Let's enlighten young girls who are growing up about sex education in order not to be embarrassed," Neng indicated.
The chief of Social Center at the Bamenda III Council, Mbah Janet who was also present at the event emphasized on the importance of educating the girl child,
"Educating the girl child is educating the nation. As social workers and partners, our target is to empower and educate the girl child because most of our girl children are getting involved in so many activities that are unacceptable in our community today, said Mbah.
It should however be noted that the international day of the girl child is a day set aside to valourize the girl child.
It was celebrated this year on the 11th of October with the theme "Our time is now-Our rights, our future".
As part of activities to commemorate the day, TeenAlive Organization schooled the young girls on sex education, child protection and how to manage their menstrual cycle. Brenda Tifuh from the TeenAlive Organization cautions the young girls as she says,
"As girls, be confident in your speech and open up. Don't be afraid to talk,feel confident to confide in somebody when it concerns sex education and don't feel like talking about it qualifies you a bad person",
The coordinator of TeenAlive, Ngonga Linda frowned at those who relegate the girl child to the background while focusing only on the boy child,
"Our society is mostly a patriarchal society meaning from childhood, we start hyping the boys and keeping the girls as their subordinates. This day is just a way to let young girls feel important and Know they've a role in nation building globally and generally," Ngonga intimated before continuing that,
"all girl children are unique and have potentials that if directed properly, they'll develope not only themselves but their neighbourhoods, communities and society at large."
Fonyuy Odilia is 16 years of age and says why she is happy, " I am happy because of what I have learnt. I did not know how to use my pad well because I had nobody to teach me but today I have learnt a lot and would educate my friends about it."
Experts especially gender activists have always indicated that young girls should be bold, courageous and be ready to speak up at all times.
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