The Speaker of the Anambra State Children’s Parliament, Ekwunife Victory, is urging the governors of the South Eastern states and the Diaspora to prioritize the mandatory education of the girl-child in the region. This call to action comes as a response to the alarming rate of challenges faced by female children, such as rape, early marriage, and other obstacles preventing them from accessing education.
During the annual sitting of the Children’s Parliament, Speaker Ekwunife emphasized the urgent need to educate girls, particularly those affected by ongoing crises in Anambra. This momentous gathering, graciously sponsored by the State Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Ify Obinabo, took place in the state capital, Awka.
Charles Ndukauba, the Anambra State National Ambassador to the National Children’s Parliament, passionately spoke about the repercussions of neglecting the educational sector, which has led to a surge in social vices among young girls. Mr. Ndukauba believes that it is crucial for immediate action to be taken to tackle the security challenges in the region, as they have forced many children, especially girls, out of school.
“Rape, unwanted pregnancy, armed conflicts, humanitarian crises, kidnapping, and the pervasive inflation plaguing the economy have shackled the lives of millions, subjecting them to discrimination,” expressed Mr. Ndukauba. He further emphasized the plight of girls living in fragile and conflict-ridden areas who face significant barriers to accessing primary and secondary education, effectively denying them their right to education.
He continued, “Families are left with no choice but to prioritize their girls hawking on the street to provide for their families or marrying them off prematurely under the belief that their husbands will alleviate their poverty. This vulnerability exposes them to exploitation, abuse, and early pregnancies which their bodies are not prepared for.”
It is essential that the governors and leaders of the South Eastern states, working in tandem with the Diaspora, seize this opportunity to champion compulsory girl-child education. By doing so, they will ensure a brighter future for the young girls of the region, safeguarding their rights, and empowering them to reach their full potential.
NAN
