By Rotimi Idris
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called for support to address challenges facing adolescent girls such as infections, lack of education, employment and training.
In a statement made available to journalists to commemorate 2024 International Day of the Girl, UNICEF Field Chief, Celine Lafoucriere revealed that 75% of new HIV infections among adolescents occur in girls, underscoring the disproportionate burden they bear in the global fight against the virus.
Speaking on this year’s celebration themed, “Girls’ Vision for the Future”, she explained that nearly twice of adolescent girls compared to boys are not in any form of education, employment, or training, which further limit their future prospects.
According to the statement, Lafoucriere emphasized that girls alone cannot bring about the transformation needed to overcome these obstacles but require strong allies who listen to their concerns and actively work to support their needs.
She stressed that empowering girls not only helps them achieve their own dreams but also moves the world closer to achieving broader global goals.
The statement reads, “October 11 is a key global moment to celebrate girls and amplify their voices, actions, and leadership. The day also belongs to everyone who cares about girls and taking action to advocate for the full spectrum of girls’ rights.
“This year’s theme ‘Girls’ Vision for the Future” is apt. It reflects the findings from a UNICEF analysis, which shows that girls are not only courageous in the face of challenges but hopeful for the future. We see girls taking action every day to realize the vision of a world where all girls are protected, respected, and empowered.
“Why girls’ rights – you may ask?
My response is that being a girl shouldn’t determine what you can do, where you can go, or who you can become. But right now, that is the reality for millions of girls across the world. Too many are being left behind, confronted by extreme challenges that deny them their rights, restrict their choices, and limit their futures.
“Today, one in five young women aged between 20 and 24 years were married as children. Nearly one in four partnered/married adolescent girls have experienced sexual or physical abuse.
“Globally, 75% of new HIV infections among adolescents occur in girls.
One in three adolescent girls suffer from anemia, which is a form of malnutrition.
“Almost double the number of adolescent girls (one in four) compared to boys are not in any form of education, employment, or training.
The good news is that change is possible!
“However, girls alone cannot bring about the desired change. They need allies who listen to and respond to their needs – like you and me. Together, we can build a future in which every girl’s rights are protected.
“Evidence shows that with the right support, resources, and opportunities, the potential of girls around the world is limitless. When girls achieve their goals, we all move closer to achieving our global goals”.