It is unfortunate that girls at least once in their lifetimes suffer from gender based discrimination and physical and psychological traumas; be it in war and conflict times or in normal days. Mainly during conflicts, girls become victims of widespread and systematic human rights violations, which have detrimental effects on their well-being – mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically.
These violations include illegal detention, abduction, forced separation from their families and homes, disappearances, torture, rape, violence and even death. They are also at risk of being forcibly recruited into armed forces and exposed to various diseases. Furthermore, during such hard times, girls face challenges in accessing basic necessities and essential services such as nutrition, healthcare and education.
Understanding the complicated challenges girls face, various efforts have been carried out globally and regionally to address the challenges girls face, lessen their burden and ensure their rights. With this same target, a day that is dedicated to raise awareness about the importance of empowering girls through education, access to healthcare and protection from violence and discrimination, advocate for the full spectrum of their rights, and for the fulfillment of their human rights is marked every year on October11.
The International Day of the Girl Child 2023 was observed last Wednesday around the world with various events under the theme “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being,” which is a powerful message that highlights the importance of prioritizing girls’ rights and well-being while recognizing their leadership potential.
Indeed, by investing in girls’ rights, we are not only promoting gender equality but also creating opportunities for their holistic development and empowerment.
The day was also marked in Ethiopia with a panel discussion under the theme “Let us Empower Girls, protect their rights and wellbeing.”
Speaking at the Panel discussion organized by the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs in collaboration with Plan International-Ethiopia, Advisor of the State Minister with Women Sector, Zebider Bogale emphasized the need to protect girls from natural and human-made disasters.
“We should protect young girls from being exposed to serious problems due to natural and man-made conflicts. The Ministry is actively working to combat all forms of challenges that girls may encounter due to such disasters,” she remarked.
Protecting the future and fulfilling the dreams of girls requires more than just discussing their rights. It involves devising various measures and mechanisms and implementing them accordingly to safeguard these young children from both man-made and natural challenges.
Additionally, investing in girls’ leadership capacity includes creating spaces and platforms for them to raise their voices at every level of policy-making. It is important to address the challenges of undermining the basic human and democratic rights of girls due to harmful traditional cultures, which remains an issue in many countries worldwide. What is more, the traditional patriarchal system that underestimates the role of women is still casting its shadow on little girls and preventing them from achieving the same vision with their male counterparts.
Undeniably, patriarchy and power dynamics play significant roles in perpetuating inequality, particularly in relation to gender. These systems of social organization and control prioritize male dominance and reinforce gender norms and stereotypes that limit the rights and opportunities of women and girls.
According to UNICEF, patriarchy and power dynamics in almost every country create comparative advantages for boys over girls in various domains. These advantages accumulate over time, leading to significant divergence in opportunities during adolescence. Social and gender norms restrict adolescent girls’ access to public spaces, encourage docility and obedience, and prioritize their appearance and role in caregiving over their education, leadership, and participation in policymaking.
Investing in girls’ rights means ensuring that they have equal access to education, healthcare, nutrition, and protection from all forms of discrimination and violence. It means challenging harmful gender norms and stereotypes that limit their potential and reinforcing their rights to make decisions about their own lives.
When girls are given the opportunity to lead, they bring unique perspectives, ideas, and solutions to the table. By supporting their leadership skills, we can foster a more inclusive and diverse society where girls can actively participate in decision-making processes, contribute to policy development, and shape the future they want to see.
Furthermore, investing in girls’ rights has a positive ripple effect on their overall well-being. It enables them to develop the necessary skills, confidence, and resilience to overcome challenges and reach their full potential. When girls are empowered, they can break the cycle of poverty, improve their own lives, and positively impact their families, communities, and societies as a whole.
To truly empower girls and enable them to reach their full potential, it is essential that we provide them with the necessary support, resources and opportunities. By investing in their education, health, economic empowerment and meaningful participation, we can create an environment where girls can thrive and contribute to the betterment of their communities and the world at large.
However, protecting the rights of girls should not be solely left for a single entity or the government; rather, it demands the concerted efforts of all and the responsibility of every citizen.
Hence, it is important for governments, organizations, and individuals to recognize and amplify the voices of these young change-makers. By supporting their initiatives, providing mentorship, and creating platforms for them to share their experiences and ideas, we can ensure that their efforts are acknowledged and multiplied. It is essential for governments, organizations, communities and individuals to prioritize investment in girls’ rights through policies, programs, and resources. By doing so, we can create a more equitable and just world where every girl has the opportunity to thrive, lead, and contribute to a brighter future for all.
It is an undeniable fact that we have witnessed that many girls are registering impressive success and driving change within their own communities. These girls are demonstrating immense resilience, determination, and creativity in addressing the challenges they faced. They are taking on roles as advocates, innovators, and leaders, working towards positive transformations. It is inspiring to see how they are making a difference and inspiring others to join their cause.
In this regard, it is crucial for every Ethiopian citizen and the government to take bold and tangible actions to bring about the necessary change for girls moving beyond mere plans and promises.
BY LEULSEGED WORKU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 15 OCTOBER 2023
