The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has voiced concern that the girl child suffers several problems that deny her rights, limit her options, and limit her future.
Celine Lafoucriere, UNICEF’s Chief of the Field Office for South-West Nigeria, said that while one in every five women aged 20 to 24 marries as minors, teenage females account for up to 75 per cent of new HIV infections.
Lafoucriere said this in a statement made available to journalists to honour the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child.
She noted that one in every three females suffers from anaemia, while others confront significant barriers to education, work, and training.
She said:
“Today one in five women aged between 20 and 24 years old are married as children, nearly one in four partners married adolescent girls have experienced sexual or physical abuse, globally up to 75 per cent of new HIV infections are among adolescent girls.
“One in three girls suffers from anaemia which is a form of malnutrition. One in four compared to boys are not in any form of education, employment or training.”
Lafoucriere speaking on this year’s theme, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” argued that irrespective of these challenges they must be empowered while still being protected, respected, and given equal opportunity.
“As you know, October 11 is the key global moment to celebrate girls and amplify their voices, directions and their leadership. The day also belongs to everyone who cares about girls and taking action to full protection of their rights.”
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cc: Daily Post Ng
