The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has underscored the urgent need for improved access to education and healthcare services, particularly for the well-being of the girl-child and other vulnerable groups. This call to action was made by Phillipe Delanghe, Officer in Charge at the Abuja Regional Head of Office, UNESCO, during the celebration of the 2023 ‘International Day of the Girl-Child.’ The theme for this year’s observance is “Invest in girls’ rights: Our leadership, our well-being.”
Delanghe emphasized the detrimental impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the educational landscape, citing its role in undoing progress in girls’ education, exacerbating inequalities, deepening the national learning crisis, and exposing girls to exploitation and abuse.
He pointed out that in Nigeria, girls face numerous challenges, including limited educational opportunities and health risks stemming from early and frequent childbearing, HIV, early and unintended pregnancies, Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and harmful traditional practices.
Despite the existence of policies aimed at enhancing access to healthcare and education, it is disheartening to note that a significant number of children, particularly those aged between 6 and 11, remain out of school. This estimate translates to approximately 10.2 million children, with a significant majority being girls.
