Elizabeth Vincent, Yenagoa
The Women Organized for Mentorship and Advocacy Network (WOMAN) has reiterated its strong commitment to empowering, mentoring, and protecting the girl child the organization emphasized the importance of equipping girls with the confidence, skills, and opportunities to become leaders, especially in times of crisis.
This reaffirmation was made by the executive director of WOMAN, lady Eunice Nnachi, during an event held in Ogu Community, Bayalsa State, to commemorate the 2025 international day of the girl Child,this year’s theme was: “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis.”
In her welcome address, Lady Nnachi highlighted the critical role education, mentorship, and family support play in nurturing girls’ potential,she emphasized that strong, supportive families are essential in fostering the leadership abilities of girls, even under difficult circumstances.
“This day reminds us that the girl child is not a passive observer, but an active leader. We recognize the role of girls in shaping the future they are resourceful, powerful agents of change, she stated.
She encouraged young girls to remain focused, avoid idleness, and commit to their education. Lady Nnachi also urged them to seek guidance from parents and mentors as a pathway to personal growth and responsible leadership.
In a keynote address, Lady Chinwe Ubani of the national human rights commission (NHRC) shed light on the challenges girls face during crises,she stressed the need to protect their rights to education, safety, and dignity she also condemned harmful cultural practices such as child marriage, trafficking, and sexual abuse that continue to undermine the well being of girls in Nigeria.
“As girls, we face numerous harmful cultural practices from trafficking to sexual abuse,but resilience and determination are key girls must see themselves as change agents not victims, Ubani said.
Ms. Tariere Joel, representing the national agency for the prohibition of trafficking in persons (NAPTIP), educated participants about the agency’s efforts in protecting vulnerable girls from exploitation,she cautioned girls to remain vigilant against traffickers who prey on their aspirations by offering false promises of education or employment.
In a similar vein, Mrs. Evelyn Ozeh of Starz Safety Initiative addressed the growing issue of gender-based violence she encouraged girls to speak up and seek support if they experience any form of harassment or abuse,she emphasized that silence enables perpetrators, while speaking out is the first step toward justice and healing.
Mrs. Jane Simangi, the woman leader of Ogu community, expressed heartfelt appreciation to WOMAN and its partner organizations for choosing their community for this impactful celebration,she praised the initiative for empowering local girls with essential knowledge and meaningful gifts.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Pere-owei Asingbi, program officer at WOMAN, extended gratitude to all guest speakers, panelists, and partners for their contributions,he also commended the girls for their active engagement and enthusiasm throughout the event.
The high point of the celebration was the presentation of gift items to the girls, followed by a moving musical performance by the participants symbolizing hope, unity, and the determination to lead change.
The event further reinforced WOMAN’s mission to build a generation of confident, resilient, and empowered girls, ready to transform their communities. As Lady Nnachi aptly stated, when a girl is educated, protected, and given equal opportunity she becomes a catalyst for peace, growth, and development.”
WOMAN’s observance of the international day of the girl child stood as both a call to action and a powerful reminder: every girl, regardless of her background, has the power to declare i am the change my community needs.
