Ogun Advocates For Increased Representation Of Women In Key Positions On International Girl Child Day.
Ogun State has called for greater inclusion of women in technical and scientific education as part of efforts to enhance gender equality. During the 2024 International Girl Child Day celebration, Mrs Ronke Soyombo, Special Adviser to the Ogun State government on education, emphasised the need for women to take up leadership roles in fields traditionally dominated by men.
Speaking at the event held at the Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, Soyombo highlighted the challenges faced by girls, such as gender-based violence, limited access to education, and societal stereotypes. She encouraged young girls to pursue their dreams despite these barriers, urging them to focus on their education and follow the examples of trailblazing Nigerian women such as Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and Justice Maryam Mukhtar.
The event, organised by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ogun Chapter, centred on the theme *”Girls’ Vision for the Future: Our Vision, Our Voice”*. Soyombo, addressing students from several schools, underlined the importance of empowering girls and providing them with the tools necessary to thrive in the future.
Ogun NAWOJ Chairperson, Sekinat Salam, also spoke at the event, urging parents to prioritise the education and moral development of their daughters. She reiterated the association’s commitment to advocating for laws that protect and empower the girl child, and to promoting gender-sensitive journalism.
The event featured a health talk on menstrual hygiene, distribution of sanitary products, and a moving testimonial from a human trafficking survivor, Aderike Temitope, further underscoring the importance of awareness and support for girls facing challenges.
This celebration of International Girl Child Day highlights Ogun State’s ongoing efforts to empower girls and ensure they have equal opportunities to succeed.
