IWD: Adolescent Girls Continue To Face Elevated Risk of Sexual Violence worldwide – UNICEF

From Paul Orude Bauchi

As the world celebrates the 2024 International Women’s Day (IWD), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has expressed concern that adolescent girls continue to face elevated risks of sexual violence

Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Dr. Tushar Rane, gave the warning on Wednesday at a Media Dialogue held at Evolution Hotel, Gombe, to mark this year’s IWD.

The Media dialogue drew journalists and health workers from the five states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe. Taraba and Plateau under the Bauchi Field Office.

“In the face of challenges such as the ongoing global economic crisis, political turmoil, and humanitarian emergencies, adolescent girls are often overlooked, exploited, or placed in precarious situations,” Rane, who spoke to participants via zoom, stated

The two-day media dialogue, themed invest in Women- Accelerate progress, is to honour the achievements of women and promote women’s rights worldwide.  

“Adolescent girls’ rights worldwide are under threat, with progress on key issues either stagnating or regressing on a global scale,” he observed.

“In the face of challenges such as the ongoing global economic crisis, political turmoil, and humanitarian emergencies, adolescent girls are often overlooked, exploited, or placed in precarious situations.

“Shockingly, one in seven girls in developing countries is married before reaching the age of 15.

“Moreover, adolescent girls continue to face elevated risks of sexual violence.

“If present trajectories persist, the number of girls and women living in extreme poverty in sub-Saharan Africa is projected to increase by 2030.

“Nearly half of adolescent girls in UNICEF programme countries suffer from anemia and lack access to essential health and nutrition services in the event of pregnancy.

“Investing in the health, rights, and wellbeing of adolescent girls generates a transformative ripple effect that uplifts entire nations.

“By providing adolescent girls with the necessary support, access, and opportunities to realize their potential, we enable them to become formidable agents of change.

“Empowered girls can play a crucial role in tackling some of the most pressing global challenges, such as climate change, poverty, and conflict.

“Their contributions pave the way for inclusive and sustainable development, shaping a brighter future for generations to come.

“Let us together push for a world, characterized by equity and inclusivity, where girls and boys are empowered to access and benefit from the same rights, resources, opportunities, and protections, fostering a society where every person can thrive.

“I implore you to use your wide-reaching media platforms to set the public and political agenda for the wellbeing of women and adolescent girls”

He stressed thatensuring gender equality and promoting women’s well-being in all facets of life is paramount for building prosperous economies and fostering a healthy planet.

“The International Women’s Day serves as a powerful reminder of the progress we’ve made and the work that still lies ahead.

“It’s a day to honor the trailblazing women who have paved the way for future generations, a day to recognize the invaluable contributions of women in every sphere of society, from politics and business to science, arts, and beyond.

“Specifically, here today, we gather to learn of the remarkable achievements of community-based women in the health sector in our field office states – Bauchi, Gombe and Taraba through the mama2mama initiative.

“Women often act as health advocates and educators within their communities, raising awareness about health issues and encourage community members to seek healthcare when needed.

“Endowed with the right knowledge, women can effectively lead or participate in community health initiatives, such as vaccination campaigns.

“Their involvement fosters community cohesion and increases the effectiveness of health interventions.

“The investment in women through the mama2mama initiative, including strengthening women’s knowledge of community health systems has contributed to positive health outcomes in these states.