BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
Every year, October 11th, global community marks International Day of the Girl Child with the aim to bring awareness and solutions to the unique challenges that girls around the world face every day, to amplify their voices as well as renew commitment so as to enable girls enjoy and exercise their rights; play a full and equal part in their communities and societies.
Last Tuesday, October 11, 2022 the 10th anniversary of the International Day of the Girl Child was marked globally under the theme “Our time is now—Our rights, Our Future.”
Ethiopia also observed the day warmly with a theme “Let us prevent violence against girl child by giving due attention on child raising,” at the even held in Debre Birhan Town, Semien Shewa Zone of Amhara State in the presence of Women and Social Affairs Minister Dr. Ergoge Tesfaye, state ministers and Semien Shewa Zone Administrator Mekasha Alemayehu.
Speaking on the occasion Minister Ergoge Tesfaye (PhD) said that while we observe the International Day of the Girl Child in Ethiopia, it is mainly to aware the life challenges that young girls encounter and to betterment their life journey.
Following the conflict surfaced in some parts of the country, mothers, women and children have been exposed to severe challenges and compelled to live in challenging situations.
Mentioning that protecting women from any form of violence is the responsibility of all, the Minister said that investing on child girls play constructive role in country’s development and prosperity. The concerted efforts of all stakeholders and pertinent bodies are of critical importance so that the rights of young children and women are ensured and their future journey in life is eased.
In many cultures and societies, the rights and basic needs of girl children are denied. Young girls face increased risk of sexual abuse and exploitation as well as other harmful practices that negatively affect their survival, development and ability to achieve to their fullest potential.
Amahara State Semien Shewa Zone Administrator Mekasha Alemayehu for his part said that the contribution of girl children in the overall development of the nation is incalculable. Thus, protecting young girls from any violence needs the concerted efforts of all stakeholders.
Raising awareness should be the prime task to create an informed community that protects the violence and traditional harmful practices at the grass root level. In this regard, public institutions, community, religious leaders and development partners should enhance efforts to curb the harmful traditional practices practiced on little girls and work in collaboration for the common good.
On the occasion, young girls drawn from the states conveyed their messages for attendees. And the Ministry has provided various education materials, food and non-food items to the children and students affected by the conflict.
The Ethiopian Herald October 16/2022
