In light of the 2023 International Day of the Girl Child, Nigerians are making a renewed call to address deeply ingrained socio-cultural stereotypes and to combat gender discrimination against females. The message emerged strongly during an online event, which was celebrated via WhatsApp and was convened by advocate Mr. Babatunde Sanyaolu.
This year’s celebration theme, “Invest In Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being,” not only underlines the importance of empowering the female gender but also underscores the necessity for humane treatment.
Sanyaolu pointed out that initiatives like the International Women’s Day and the International Day of the Girl Child, backed by the United Nations, are specifically designed to counteract global biases and injustices against females. “The advocacy is centered on the equitable treatment of females, not about asserting superiority over males,” he emphasized.
According to a report by The Guardian, the significant highlight of this year’s celebration was the involvement and participation of both genders. Boys and young men actively engaged, indicating a move towards more inclusive advocacy and fostering mutual respect between genders. “Such celebrations pave the way for collaborative efforts and nurture mutual gender courtesy,” added Sanyaolu.
Several notable participants contributed to the discourse, including Mrs. Grace Afanu, Mrs. Mutiat Sadiq, Mrs. Titi Aderibigbe, and many others. Through speeches, poems, articles, and interactive sessions, they shared their perspectives, emphasizing collective responsibility in ensuring the safety and empowerment of the girl child. The various inputs from these resource persons and other attendees added depth and a variety of perspectives, making the celebration both unique and insightful.
