As part of efforts geared towards ensuring that the girl child attains her full potential and in line with its mandate of inclusiveness and gender parity, RippleAfrica Trust Foundation (RATF), a non-profit and Non-Governmental Organization dedicated to ending Gender Based Violence against women and children recently engaged girls in an interactive session in Nnewi Anambra State, in commemoration of the 2023 International Day of the Girl Child.
Speaking at the event Mr. Andrew Ebi Sikpi, Head of Media and Publicity who represented the founder of RippleAfrica Trust Foundations, Bar. Ikechukwu Ibeto, said the Interactive Session is aimed at complementing government effort in giving voice to voiceless girls in rural areas. He averred that the forum engaged cross sections of girls from different Schools as well as those who are out of School, they were provided with communication materials, food and clothing and engaged in conversations concerning their Participation, Development, Survival and Protection rights.
He further said that the forum is aimed at giving the girls the opportunity to discuss their challenges which will be collated and tabled before major stakeholders to deliberate on modalities to be adopted towards ensuring their holistic development. He reiterated the organization’s commitment towards providing skill acquisition programmes, medical outreach, social justice and empowerment schemes for victims of Gender Based Violence. He further revealed that the organization provides scholarship for the down trodden, good healthcare, vocational and empowerment training as well as a safe environment for them to co-exist.
In the same vein, the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, during the National Girls Interactive Session with Policy and Decision Makers to commemorate the 2023 International Day of the Girl Child, organized by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs in collaboration with RippleAfrica Trust Foundation and other partners, noted that the girl-child must be protected from all forms of violence with a safe and inclusive environment provided for them to thrive. According to her education is the key weapon that must be used to ensure that every girl is free from discrimination and intimidation.
Similarly, the Minister for Women Affairs, Barr. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, noted that the Federal Government is more committed to ensuring that harmful and discriminatory practices against the girl child are totally eliminated. The 2023 International Day of the Girl Child has the theme “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership & Our Well-being.
