The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) B Zone (South West) has organized a maiden Annual Conference with participants calling for enhanced protection and empowerment of the girl child against insecurity and abuses.
The event themed “Insecurity: The Girl Child as an Endangered species”, held in Lagos on September 9 and attended by female senior secondary school students and dignitaries who highlighted various dangers faced by girls in the country.
Reiterating the core mandate of NAWOJ, the president, Ladi Bala stressed that the association is charged with the need to be the voice of the voiceless; stand up for the rights of women and children, and promote the education of the girl child.
“We can’t afford to go backwards in this generation, we frown at relegation of the girl child to the backside”, she noted.
Bala however charged the Federal Government to make safe, all schools nationwide, because it is the fundamental right of every child to be educated.
The convener of the conference, Ayaaba Omobola Nowoola-Akingbehin, who is the Vice President of NAWOJ B ZONE, noted in her welcome address that the situation in the country has made it difficult for the girl child to thrive as they encounter various risks including institutional, family and community-related.
“Institution-based insecurity has to do with their male teachers/lecturers, and community-based insecurity which has to do with their fathers, uncles, brothers, and other male relatives in their environment,” Akingbehin noted and enjoined schools to provide safe space for children, especially the girls.
Reminding participants’ to be conscious of their responsibilities, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) president, Chris Isizugo said “security is every man’s business and the government can only do more when the citizens rise to help; as we need to build the Nation of our dreams together”.
He challenged traditional rulers to keep an eye on those who troop in and out of their communities while urging the government to banish unnecessary issues and focus on necessary ones such as the empowerment of traditional rulers.
In his presentation, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, Lagos Zonal Commander, Aganiran Ganiyu Alao stressed the need for the girl child to acquire skills, and get empowered at every chance they get.
He expressed his displeasure at the unfair lifestyle girls are forced to live by their parents and guardians, despite the fact that Nigeria is innovating on all sides.
“Even as Nigeria celebrates innovation, the girl child is still grappling,” he said and asked participants to observe a minute silence for endangered girls.
Speaking on “Profiling a Rapist & Proffering safety measures”, the CEO of Women Radio (WFM 91.7), Mrs Adetoun Okewale Sonaiya highlighted attributes of a rapist, who are the most likely persons to be a Rapist, and red flags that they must pay attention to in order not to be a victim.
She made it known that ‘transparency is the key to achieving accountability; hence, there is a need to question every kind gesture expressed behind closed doors with an oath of secrecy.
A panel session also offered professionals’ perspectives on issues affecting the girl child.
Former NAWOJ President, Ifeyinwa Omowole said “Insecurity goes beyond banditry and rape and noted workplace and other risks the girl child has to cope with.
Lekan Otunfodunrin, Executive Director, Media Career Development Network said “Education and Awareness of the Girl Child to know that there is danger”
According to Barrister Nihmatallah Akashat-Zibril, Founder of Hijab Right Advocacy Initiative, “It is not lack of law; but lack of proper enforcement, Mothers who allow their children to be victimized should be put to shame”-
The event ended with awards given to some members of the association and others for their contribution to the growth of the group.
