By Stella Obi
Every October 11, the world marks the International Day of the Girl child. On this day, attention is drawn to the importance of empowering the girl child through education, health and equal opportunities.
The global observance, first declared by the United Nations in 2012, seeks to highlight the challenges faced by girls and promote their rights.
The Day highlights persisted issues as Gender- bases discrimination and inequality, child marriage and early pregnancy, limited access to education, healthcare, violence, exploitation, lack of representation in leadership and decision making.
This year’s theme; “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis”, was chosen to highlight and honour the leadership, resilience and innovation of girls who are driving change even amid global challenges.
This theme Celebrates girls as leaders, survivours and visionaries, especially in regions affected by inequality.
Also, this day emphasizes the importance of empowering girls to become change markers and leaders in their communities.
Empowering the girl child contributes to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Number 4 ( Quality education) and Number 5 (Gender equality).
In Anambra State, the First Lady, Dr Nonye Soludo, through her programme, Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, has continued to promote healthy lifestyles and moral discipline among young people.
This initiative, has become a platform for health awareness, education and mentorship, particularly for the girl child.
Under the programme’s “Clean and Healthy Schools Initiative”, Mrs Soludo has reached hundreds of schools across the State, teaching girls about hygiene, nutrition, menstrual health and self worth.
The First Lady has also encouraged the formation of school – based hygiene clubs, often led by girls to promote peer leadership and responsibility.
In Mrs Soludo’s words during an outreach she said: “Every girl deserves to grow in an environment that supports her dreams and protects her dignity. A healthy, confident girl will become a productive woman who contributes to her community and nation”.
A significant part of Mrs Soludo’s work has focused on menstrual hygiene and breaking the stigma associated with it.
Her “Safe Period” Campaign distributes sanitary pads to schoolgirls and educates them on reproductive health, managing menstruation confidently and reducing absenteeism and female students.
Health experts have commended this approach, noting that it promotes self -esteem and ensures girls do not stay off school during their menstrual period.
Under Mrs Soludo’s watch, more girls in Anambra are finding their voices in classrooms, communities and leadership roles.
Her efforts align with the objective of the International Day of the Girl child, to ensure that every girl, regardless of background should be educated, protected and empowered to fulfill her potentials.
Beyond education and health, Anambra First Lady has remained an advocate against Gender -based violence and child abuse. She has led campaigns across the local government areas to raise awareness about the dangers of domestic sexual violence.
Her key message remains, “The Girl Child Deserves Equal Opportunities to Learn, Grow and Lead”.
The First Lady through her work and healthy living initiative, advocates for empowering the girl child and transforming societal norms that perpetuate violence and discrimination..
While Mrs Soludo is an active advocate for the girl child in Anambra State, championing initiatives for their protection, education and empowerment, she has a strong stance against violence and discrimination against her.
She is working very hard to inspire societal change, transform norms that perpetuate harm and ensure a more equitable future for girls through education, healthcare and protection from abuse.
Stella is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
