LEO District 404B1 Nigeria, marks international day of the girl child
October 11, was the International Day of the Girl Child; a day set aside by the United Nationsto celebrate the girl child and bring to light- for action, the needs and challenges faced by girls the world over, especially, those in crisis situations
In a belated but impactful commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child; in the belief that no day is late to take action; the youth wing of the Lions Clubs International District 404B-1 Nigeria, the Leo District 404B-1, organized a one day symposium last week Wednesday, at Anwar-ul Islam Girls High School, Ahmadiyah, Ojokoro, Lagos State, Nigeria. Leo Club members are young men and ladies between the ages of 18 and 30 who are committed to volunteering in their communities while learning to be better leaders.
The event which was held in partnership with Spin Club and Lagos State Ministry of Health, Adolescent Sexuality and Reproductive Health Unit (Hello Lagos), had as its theme: ‘The Power of the Adolescent Girl’. Throwing more light on the theme for this year’s celebration in his address, the president of the Leo Clubs, Leo Quadri Olanrewaju Tijani 100%P,MGA,LAH, said, “There are about 1.1 billion girls in the world, and every one of them deserves equal opportunities for a better future. They are a source of energy, power and creativity. They can drive change and help build a better future for all. Yet, most girls are disadvantaged and face discrimination on a daily basis, and those living through crises are suffering even more.
“Every 10 minutes, somewhere in the world, an adolescent girl dies as a result of violence. In humanitarian emergencies, gender-based violence often increases, subjecting girls to sexual and physical violence, child marriages, exploitation and trafficking. Adolescent girls in conflict zones are 90 per cent more likely to be out of school when compared to girls in conflict-free countries, thereby compromising their future prospects for work and financial independence as adults….”
The students, who were all females, were taken through vital topics viz:
setting by Mrs Olasode Abiola (Hello Lagos)
Domestic violence and Sexual Molestation by Miss Mutiat Alli (Journalist). She gave out this number to call on *6820# whenever cases of domestic violence, sexual abuse or child abuse occur to them or anyone close to them.
in Entrepreneurship by Mrs Eno- Martins Bakare (Founder, School Bags for Smile Foundation)
Miss Hulaimah Kolawole (Founder, Spin club)
Questions and answers were entertained at the end of the session. It was an interactive and impactful session as acknowledged by the students, school authority and guest speakers.
First Aid Box was donated to the school and sanitary pads were also distributed to all the students.
About 200 students benefitted from this program.