By Daniel Tyokua
A group, She Forum Africa has called for improved opportunities and support for the girl-child, emphasizing the need for initiatives that promote their welfare, education, and empowerment.
The founder, Ms. Inimfon Etuk, during the International Day of the girl child 2025, adolescent townhall and mentorship day, at the weekend, pledged the forum and other organisations commitment to help girl child grow in a better space.
She said the theme: “The girl Iam, The change I lead; girls on the frontlines of crisis” is a push for conducive environment where girls can thrive and reach their full potential.
They advocated for policies and programs that address challenges faced by girls, including access to quality education, healthcare, and protection from exploitation. The group stressed that investing in girls is crucial for societal progress and development.
The initiative aims to raise awareness and mobilize stakeholders to prioritize the needs and rights of the girl-child, ensuring a brighter future for them.
Corroborating, the trade officer, Embassy of Finland, Ms. Maria Ruuskanen, said a girl – child deserves the necessary support to keep dreaming, and believe even when the world seems uncertain.
She said, “When we talk about girls on the frontlines of crisis, we are talking about courage — the courage to keep learning, to keep dreaming, and to keep believing even when the world seems uncertain. Whether it is climate change, conflict, or inequality, girls everywhere are finding ways to lead.
“They are inventing solutions, organizing their peers, helping their families, and raising their voices for justice.
“In Finland, we have learned that empowering girls and women is one of the most effective ways to build peaceful, prosperous, and resilient societies. Education, equality, and inclusion are at the heart of our development journey — and we have seen firsthand how investing in girls changes everything. An educated girl lifts her family, her community, and her nation” Ruuskanen said.
