2022: International Day of the Girl Child

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2022: International Day of the Girl Child
 
On December 19, 2011, the General Assembly of the United Nations recognized October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child. The day was first observed on October 11, 2012, and has been in practice ever since. 
 

In compliance with this resolution of the United Nations, on October 11, 2022, a non-governmental organization known as Women Inspiration Development Center (WIDC), in partnership with the Women Advocate Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), organized an all-girls event to celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. 
 

Girls from seventeen schools were invited to the event, to celebrate with the theme "Digital Generation, Our Generation." Schools like Oduduwa college, St. David Grammar School, Ile-Ife; Morèmi High School, Ile-Ife; Modakeke High School, Modakeke; Our Lady Girls High School, Modakeke; Yakoyo Grammar School, Yakoyo among others were all invited for the event. 
 

The occasion was graced with dignitaries such as Mrs. Elugbaju, a counsellor from the Division of Student Affairs, OAU; Pastor Isaac Adeyemo, founder of Mordecai Care Foundation; Dr. Abiola Akiyode, founder of WARDC; Dr. Onica Makwakwa from South Africa; Dr. Jumoke Adeyeye, Center for Gender and Social Policy; Dr. Mrs. Oluwabiyi, Faculty of Law, OAU; representatives of the ministry of education; Mrs. Titilayo Odetayo, state coordinator for the Child Protection Network were all in attendance. 
 

The convener, Mrs. Busayo Obisakin, and other facilitators at the venue and on zoom, awakened girls to the power of the media as an amplifier for their voices. 
 

The day also included the education of the girl child on the need to use the media to speak out against gender-based violence, denial of educational privileges, child marriages, and all kinds of female molestation. They were urged to speak up for themselves or their friends if they noticed any abuse. 
 

Mrs. Busayo Obisakin further backed up her point with experiences she has had with violators of girl children in the past and scientific data that reflected the number of girls who are victims of various kinds of abuse. During one of the sessions, a student spoke up about how her friend is a silent victim of father-daughter abuse. Mrs. Obisakin vowed to take the case up. 
 
 
Aside from fighting ills against women, the event sought to empower girls with the knowledge of opportunities in the media and how they can be used to their advantage. She introduced them to World Pulse, a platform where they can connect with like-minded individuals and discover themselves and their potential.
 
 

Students were informed about the child rights act and the legal punishment stipulated for those who violated them. Also, they were encouraged to rise to the challenges of the century and harness the benefits of the media as well as stay away from its hazards.
 

Women's rights in society and gender equality were another major discussion point of the day. Young girls were urged to venture into male-dominated professions and make a mark for themselves.
 

Students from different schools were permitted to showcase their talents on stage. Selected girls representing their school stood up before their mates to show their potential through spoken word, singing, girl empowerment rhetoric, recitation, etc. 
 
Students were also taught how to manage abuse, maintain proper hygiene, especially during menstrual periods, and be firm and protective of their bodies. They were taught the proper attitude online and how to report malicious accounts to the right authority. Girls were instructed on how to report cases of abuse to the proper authorities.
 
 
 Teachers and students present were given the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law booklet to create awareness in their various schools of the consequence of violating the girl child.
 

The event ended with everyone's smiles and photographs. Gift items and item 7 were shared with all students and tutors. 
 
Speakers at the event: 
1. The convener, Mrs. Busayo Obisakin
2. Miss Folashade Ademilola
3. Dr. Mrs. Oluwabiyi, 
4. Dr Onica Makwakwa
5. Dr. Mrs. Abiola Akayode
6. Mrs Elugbaju
7. Mrs Titilayo Odetayo 
8. Mrs Nifemi Ayemoba 
9. Miss Precious Oyegunle
 
 Pictures from the event

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