UNFPA Wants Elimination of Barriers Limiting Adolescent Girls’ Potentials

From Paul Orude Bauchi

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has reiterated the call on stakeholders to work to together to eliminate all barriers preventing adolescent girls from reaching their full potentials.

The call was contained in a message by UNFPA Executive Director, Dr. Natalia Kanem, delivered by UNFPA Bauchi State Coordinator, Deborah Tabara, to commemorate the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child.

Speaking during the event, held at Government Girls College, Bauchi, on Friday, UNFPA stressed that every girl has a vision of what her life will bring, and a dream that needs to be supported and protected as she makes her journey from adolescence to adulthood.

“Yet, for millions of girls, adolescence is a time when doors shut,” Kanem observed.

“The gradual transition to adulthood is ended abruptly as early pregnancy and gender-based violence, including harmful practices like child marriage and female genital mutilation, deprive them of their fundamental rights and choices.

“Poverty, protracted conflicts and chronic fragility make these risks even more likely.

 “Adolescent girls – aged 15 to 19 – in low and middle-income countries have 21 million pregnancies a year; nearly half are unintended. For many of these girls, this means a life not just curtailed, but cut short altogether.

“Complications related to pregnancy and childbirth are among the leading causes of death for adolescent girls worldwide.

 “Last month, world leaders signed a global pact that included commitments to dismantle gender inequality and address the violations it fuels, which act as brakes on girls’ aspirations.

 “They recognized that the peace and prosperity of our shared future depend on the ability of adolescent girls to exercise their human rights and reach their full potential.

“When adolescent girls are healthy, educated, and empowered with skills and opportunities to shape a bright future, they and their children – if they choose to have them in adulthood – have greater chances at a better life.

“At 600 million strong, adolescent girls have transformative potential – for themselves, their communities, and humanity as a whole.

“On this International Day of the Girl and every day, let’s work to eliminate all the barriers that keep adolescent girls from reaching their full potential, and heed their call for the freedom to live in peace and determine their own life’s course.

“Adolescent girls have a clear vision of the future they want. Let’s support them in realizing this future; let’s stand with them, and not in their way.

Earlier, UNFPA Nigeria Resident Representative, Dr. Gifty Addico, applauded Bauchi State Governor, Sen. Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir, for his investment and commitment to the development of adolescents’ girls in   the state.

Addico, who spoke through Deborah Tabara, Gender/ Reproductive Health Analyst, UNFPA Nigeria, reiterated UNFPA’s commitment to partnership with the State Government, the First Lady of Bauchi State and other stakeholders to address the plight of girls.

“I am deeply honoured to stand before you today to address you at this event as part of our collective efforts to herald the commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child 2024 on the crucial theme of “Girls Vision for the future,” she said.

 “To the school girls represented in this hall today – this theme calls for reflections on the support every girl child needs to achieve her full potential in life – remain committed in your academic pursuit and development of your skills, keep your vision for the future alive and you will achieve your full potentials”

Also speaking, Head of Programme and Operations, Ikra Foundation for Women and Youth Development (IFWYD), Huzaifa Abubakar, emphasised the  significance of the occasion, saying it had brought stakeholders together to celebrate the strength, resilience, and potential of young girls around the world.

“We are reminded of the incredible potential that lies within every girl, waiting to be embraced and cultivated,” Abubakar stated.

“On behalf of Mrs. Amina Garba Ahmed, the Executive Director of Ikra Foundation for Women and Youth Development, a heartfelt welcome to all of you. Your presence and the support, especially of our esteemed First Lady, underscores our collective dedication to empowering girls in our state, Bauchi state.

“Today, we acknowledge the unique challenges that girls face and reinforce our dedication to fostering an environment where they can thrive, dream, and achieve their fullest potential.

“Let us come together to inspire hope, ignite ambition, and reaffirm every girl’s right to education, health, and opportunity.

“Together, we can forge a world where every girl has the chance to pursue her dreams and aspirations without hesitation.

“As we commemorate this day, let us reaffirm our pledge to stand for equality, promote inclusivity, and champion the rights of every girl child. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future.

 “I want to take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to our implementing partners: the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Ministry of Education, and the Bauchi State Budget Planning Department.

“Your unwavering commitment, collaboration, and hard work have made our initiatives not only feasible but impactful. Thank you for your invaluable contributions and for standing alongside us in this vital mission to uplift young girls.

“Once again, thank you for being a part of this significant celebration. Together, we have the power to be the change-makers for the next generation of girls who will lead our world into its future. Thank you for your continued support and for joining us in this vital cause”

In her goodwill message, Asamau yahaya, leader of persons living with disabilities in Bauchi state, spoke on overcoming barriers to achieve girls vision for the future.