By Tobias Lengnan Dapam
To add their voices to the plight of women in the country, Champions of Save the Children International (SCI) Nigeria, have called on government at all levels to include women in governance.
Speaking, Khadija Badamasi, an SCI Champion and a member of Yobe State Children Parliament harped on the need for government to be fair to to women and children.
She lamented that issues of women and children are often treated with jaundiced eyes, calling on government to carry women along in their affairs.
“As we gather here today, we are calling on relevant authorities to include women in governance so as to create a better place for both women and children”.
On her part, Madina Abdulkadir who is also a member of Borno Children Parliament said SCI has created a platform for children to speak out on issues that concerns them and their future.
She said SCI champions at state levels are at the fore front of campaigns in favour of women and children.
“We know that women and children are the most vulnerable people in the society. Our voice is very important in pushing forward those things that concerns us. We always advocate for our rights to education and free speech.
“On this day, we want the people charged with authority to also do their part and creat a better future for us by ensuring inclusiveness.
Also, Purity Oriaifo, Save the Children International Nigeria’s Girl Champion said, “in our communities today, girls continue to suffer from gender inequality. In conflict, displacement and disaster situations, girls are being abducted, raped, and forced into marriage. The issues with girls extend beyond child marriage, female genital mutilation, as it affects the girls’ entire life. Millions of girls were not privileged to enjoy their childhood but subjected to take responsibilities they were not prepared for. That is why women, girls and I will continue to advocate, raise awareness and fight for a gender equal Nigeria.”
Amanuel Mamo, Director of Advocacy and Campaign, Save the Children International Nigeria said, “through our campaign, called, Girls’ Education Campaign, we are aiming to empower Nigerian girls and women to have “sustainable tomorrow”, become resilient, learn, have livelihood opportunities and make an informed decision on issues that affect them, including early, child and forced marriage. Today’s girls are tomorrow’s women. We can make a difference in the lives of tomorrow’s women based on how we invest on and treat girls, today. The future is now.”
Save the Children International Nigeria calls upon families, communities, local, state and national governments to join hands in making the society free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination against girls and women – but respect and celebrate their potential and contributions in creating “sustainable tomorrow” for all of us.
Save the Children will continue to campaign and advocate with, and for the rights of the most marginalized children in Nigeria to ensure that no girl child is left behind or excluded from the opportunity to access quality, safe, free, uninterrupted and inclusive education, health, nutrition and other social services in a bid to achieve the sustainable development goals.