Girls Under Siege: UNICEF Warns 75% of New HIV Infections Among Adolescents Occur in Girls
October 11 marks the International Day of the Girl, a day globally recognized to celebrate the power and potential of girls in shaping a better future. In a statement to mark the occasion, Celine Lafoucriere, Chief of UNICEF’s Field Office for South West Nigeria, shed light on the alarming issue of HIV infections among adolescents, revealing that a staggering 75% of new cases occur in girls.
According to Lafoucriere, this bleak reality is just one aspect of the daily struggles faced by millions of girls worldwide. She noted that adolescent girls are almost twice as likely as boys to be out of school, out of work, or without training, with 1 in 5 young women aged 20-24 years having been married as children. Furthermore, nearly 1 in 4 partnered or married adolescent girls have experienced sexual or physical abuse.
Despite these daunting statistics, Lafoucriere emphasized the resilience and hope of girls, stating that they are “taking action every day to realize a world where all girls are protected, respected, and empowered.” She called on everyone to join hands in advocating for the full spectrum of girls’ rights, emphasizing that “being a girl shouldn’t determine what you can do, where you can go, or who you can become.”
Lafoucriere also stressed that the current reality for many girls is a world of extreme challenges, denying them their rights, restricting their choices, and limiting their futures. However, she believed that with the right support, resources, and opportunities, the potential of girls around the world is limitless. “When girls achieve their goals, we all move closer to achieving our global goals,” she said.
As the world marks the International Day of the Girl, it is crucial to acknowledge the pivotal role girls play in shaping a brighter future. We must recognize the urgent need to support and empower these young women, providing them with the resources and opportunities necessary to overcome the immense challenges they face. Together, we can build a world where every girl’s rights are protected and where their full potential is unleashed.
