Dr. Tushar Rane, the Chief of Field Office at UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, emphasized the critical need for greater investment in the health and well-being of women and adolescent girls to foster community prosperity and ensure a brighter future for society.
Speaking at the Media Dialogue on Investing in Women, held as part of the 2024 International Women’s Day celebrations in Gombe, Rane underscored the urgent importance of prioritizing the rights and empowerment of adolescent girls, particularly in the face of global challenges.
Highlighting concerning trends, Rane pointed out that adolescent girls worldwide are confronted with threats to their rights, with progress on key issues stagnating or regressing. He noted alarming statistics, such as one in seven girls in developing countries being married before the age of 15, and emphasized the heightened risks of sexual violence faced by adolescent girls.
Furthermore, Rane warned of the potential increase in extreme poverty among girls and women in sub-Saharan Africa by 2030 if current trajectories persist. He highlighted the critical need for improved access to essential health and nutrition services, particularly during pregnancy, for adolescent girls in UNICEF program countries.
Advocating for aggressive empowerment initiatives for girls, Rane stressed that such efforts are essential in addressing pressing global challenges and securing a sustainable future for generations to come.
In addition, Rane urged journalists to leverage their influential platforms to advocate for the rights and well-being of women and adolescent girls, emphasizing the pivotal role of media in shaping public and political agendas.
The media dialogue brought together journalists from Bauchi, Taraba, Plateau, and Gombe states, providing a platform for discussions on strategies to advance the empowerment and health of women and adolescent girls.
