BY RITA OYIBOKA/AMAYINDI YAKUBU
In a historic gesture carrying more than symbolic weight, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, on Thursday, honoured the girl child by vacating his seat for Miss Isabel Anani, a 16-year-old gender advocate, during the plenary session.
This act was part of the International Day of the Girl Child celebration, observed annually on 11th October, with the 2024 theme, “Girls’ Vision for the Future.”
Before stepping aside, Abbas spoke with the gravitas the moment deserved, stating that the House stood in solidarity with the global community to mark this day, a day not only to reflect on the challenges girls face worldwide but also to celebrate their remarkable resilience, potential, and critical role in shaping the future.
“In recognition of this special occasion, we have the privilege of welcoming girls from public secondary schools across the Federal Capital Territory, who are present today to observe our proceedings,” he said. “Their presence is a reminder of the importance of investing in the education and empowerment of young girls in Nigeria.”
But this gesture signified more than a temporary parliamentary seat handed over to an advocate. It cast a glaring spotlight on the gender gap in Nigeria’s leadership corridors. While Nigerian girls are excelling in primary and secondary schools, the transition from academic brilliance to leadership roles is where the tide drastically shifts.
A wave of Nigerian girls and women are championing solutions and driving change in their communities. From Kamsiyochukwu Nkechinyere, the highest scorer in the 2023 UTME, to Asisat Oshoala, the first Nigerian woman nominated for the prestigious Ballon d’Or, young women are making Nigeria proud on both local and global stages. And then there’s Aisha Yesufu, a social media powerhouse and fierce activist behind the #BringBackOurGirls movement. She is not just raising her voice; she is shaking the ground, challenging every girl to embrace her power and speak her truth with unapologetic confidence.
In terms of breaking barriers, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is a beacon of inspiration. As the first female Director-General of the World Trade Organization, her résumé reads like a masterclass for aspiring female leaders. With a PhD in economics and two terms as Nigeria’s finance minister, she proves that brilliance and determination know no gender.
In the corporate world, Ibukun Awosika is creating waves of change as the first female chairperson of the First Bank of Nigeria. Her journey from humble beginnings as a furniture maker to leading one of the country’s oldest financial institutions is nothing short of extraordinary.
In the tech industry, traditionally dominated by men, trailblazers like Ire Aderinokun and Linda Ikeji are rewriting the narrative. Ire, a Google Developer Expert, is transforming web performance and user experience, while Linda, a media mogul, has turned blogging into a thriving business empire.
However, a sobering reality check reveals that the number of women in Nigeria’s National Assembly has plummeted by 19% compared to the previous assembly, with women now occupying only 3% of seats in the Senate and 4% in the House of Representatives. What does this say about the vision for the girl child in Nigeria’s future? How do we go from celebrating young girls’ potential to ensuring they translate it into power in governance?
For every Isabel Anani given the microphone for a day, hundreds of young girls in rural Nigeria are still denied access to education, healthcare, or even the basic right to express themselves. Yet, as more girls break barriers in education, winning science competitions, topping classrooms, and excelling in male-dominated fields, the question remains: where do these bright minds go once they leave the classroom?
The answer, perhaps, lies not only in symbolic gestures but also in lasting reforms. These moments signal possibility, but the future of Nigeria’s girl child demands structural change that ensures girls are not only heard but lead in shaping the policies that affect their lives.
Girls bear the brunt of unpaid care work, shouldering an additional 160 million hours of household chores daily compared to boys. Health-wise, the situation is dire, three out of four new HIV infections among adolescents occur in girls. The violence they face is even more heartbreaking. Nearly one in four married or partnered adolescent girls aged 15-19 has suffered physical or sexual abuse from their partners.
Nigeria has made strides. The Girls’ Education Project (GEP3), a partnership between the Nigerian government, UNICEF, and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, has brought 1.5 million girls into schools in northern Nigeria. Tackling barriers such as poverty and insecurity, the initiative has not only increased enrolment but also improved learning outcomes, proving that when girls are educated, the entire nation benefits.
The country’s legal framework also reflects a commitment to child protection. The Child Rights Act, adopted in 2003, is a significant step forward. However, out of 36 states, only 23 have domesticated the law, and implementation remains a challenge.
Females in Politics: Create Solutions, Earn Your Seat – Arimobi
In a recent discussion, Engr. Miracle Arimobi, Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Female Youth Development, shared an inspiring message: “Many young women need just a small push to achieve great things. I often tell those who approach me that getting into politics isn’t as difficult as it seems, provided you have the right mentors and guidance. Without proper mentorship, politics can be challenging, but with the right preparation, you can reach your goals, whether by running for office, contributing to governance, or improving your community.”
She emphasised that, in a predominantly male environment, women can often be seen as token representatives. “But when you demonstrate focus, effectiveness, and consistency, your work speaks for itself. True leadership goes beyond fulfilling quotas; it’s about building alliances, advocating for change, and mentoring others. Authentic leadership shines through, and perceptions of tokenism fade when you consistently show competence and dedication.”
To women currently in positions of power, she offered practical advice: “Be deserving of your position. Take initiative. Identify the gaps within your role and look for ways to fill them. Remember, finding a problem doesn’t get you paid, but solving one does. If you wait for tasks to be handed to you, you may miss opportunities. Propose new initiatives, take on additional responsibilities, and suggest improvements that align with your skills and passions. Even if your efforts don’t always lead to immediate success, creating opportunities through your hard work can lead to greater fulfilment.”
We Should Instil Audacity in Girls – Abanka
Ms. Rebecca Abanka, Executive Director of Cheerful Hands Initiative, an organisation focused on training vulnerable girls and empowering women, advocated for educating girls but, more importantly, improving their self-esteem.
“I faced educational challenges and battled stereotypes that labelled me as stubborn or even a prostitute for pursuing my ambitions. This motivated me to ensure that girls aren’t deprived of education. A girl’s worth is only diminished if she allows it. Education and skills empower her to prove herself.
“We should instil audacity in girls, encouraging them to occupy space and challenge the status quo. Girls should boldly seek opportunities and not shy away from leadership roles. We must consistently affirm their inherent power, rejecting the notion that they are secondary. As a society, our goal should be to cultivate an environment where girls grow into fearless women unafraid to take up space,” she said.
Let the Girl Child Be a Child – Ben-Ekechukwu
In an interview with The Pointer, family life coach Mrs. Nnenne Ben-Ekechukwu pointed out that many first daughters find themselves stepping into the role of assistant parents. While this may seem commonplace, she labelled it destructive parentification, a form of emotional abuse or neglect that forces a child to become the primary caregiver for their parent or siblings.
“If you are guilty of making your daughters fend for and clean up after their brothers, or burdening your daughter with all domestic responsibilities because ‘she’s the girl’ or ‘don’t you know he’s a boy,’ while her brothers read books, play video games, and relax, the best time to stop this was yesterday. Now is the second-best time.
“Bend down and sweep very well; is this how you’ll do in your husband’s house? You didn’t put enough salt; no man will marry you.” The world is changing, and the life of the girl child no longer revolves around a man. Teach your daughter to be self-sufficient and empowered, not just because she might marry someday.
“Teach your girl child to be true to who she is. Teach her that there is no one right way to be a woman. Tell her she is enough, that she can achieve great things, that she can dream and be,” she said.
Whether as a class captain, head prefect, SUG president, NYSC CLO, political candidate, business mogul, board member, or policymaker, let’s instil the belief that no role is too grand and no seat too lofty for the girl child.
As Miss Anani took the Speaker’s seat, she represented the aspirations of millions of Nigerian girls who dream of stepping into roles of leadership, changing narratives, and demanding a seat at the table, not as guests, but as rightful decision-makers. The hope now is that this vision for the girl child’s future is not just an annual moment of celebration but a daily pursuit towards equality, inclusion, and empowerment. The future is female, but only if the present makes room for her.
Happy International Day of the Girl Child!
