Writing By Teddy Daniel, Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
Women Advocacy and Voter Education Nigeria WAVE has called for renewed national action to end deep rooted gender bias and strengthen the protection and empowerment of the girl child across the country.
The Founder and President of the organisation, Comrade Maryam A. Gali, stated this in a message in commomeration of the international day of the girl child,at the Government Secondary School ungwar Boro in Kaduna state.
She said gender inequality remains deeply entrenched in homes, schools, and even places of worship, thereby limiting girls’ confidence and leadership opportunities despite their academic excellence.
According to her, leadership in society has long been defined in masculine terms a perception that continues to discourage girls from aspiring to lead.
Comrade Maryam Cali explained that the WAVE outreach seeks to educate and empower girls to see themselves as capable leaders and active participants in civic life.
The Founder, while acknowledging government efforts through the Child Rights Act of 2003, lamented that weak implementation in many states has led to persistent challenges such as child marriage, abuse, and denial of education.
She therefore urged governments at all levels to invest more in girl child education, mentorship, and grassroots sensitization, and also called on communities to dismantle harmful cultural norms that silence and sideline girls.
“Protecting the girl child is not only a legal responsibility but a moral and national duty and at WAVE, we are complementing government efforts by giving girls the civic and political awareness they need to become future leaders and responsible citizens.”she explained
Comrade Maryam Gali said the NGO’s grassroots sensitization outreach in schools is helping young girls understand their rights and participate actively in civic and political processes from an early age.
“the initiative will build confidence, nurtures leadership skills, and inspires girls to aspire to decision making roles, as female representation in positions of power still remains low across many African societies”
“the sensitization focuses on educating girls about their right to vote and be voted for, as well as developing self awareness and life skills that promote academic excellence and responsible citizenship”,she added
Over one thousand girls are benefiting from the initiative, with WAVE providing books, pens, sanitary pads, and refreshments to encourage learning and promote personal hygiene.
She appealed to government authorities to provide more infrastructure and support for schools, while urging parents and teachers to join hands in mentoring the girl child.
Comrade Gali emphasized that gender discrimination and cultural bias continue to hinder girls’ participation in leadership and politics, calling for greater inclusion of women in governance to inspire the younger generation.
She maintained that empowering the girl child is a shared responsibility of parents, teachers, government, and the wider society, adding that when girls are educated, supported, and given equal opportunities, the entire nation benefits.
Earlier, an SS2 student of the school, Miss Perseverance Sunday, expressed joy over the gesture and promised to keep studying hard for her benefit and that of the nation.
