Bayelsa First Lady Advocates Gender Rights Protection as World Marks Girl-Child Day

The Bayelsa State Firstlady Dr. Mrs Gloria Diri in collaboration with the Bayelsa Ministry of Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development, have commemorated this year’s International Day of the Girl Child which took place at the Dappa- Biriye Hall, Government House Yenagoa.

Speaking on the theme: My Voice, Our Equal Future, Dr. Mrs Diri implored the State Legislature to ensure speedy domestication of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act for enhanced protection against all forms of Gender Based Violence.

The Bayelsa Governor’s wife was quoted as saying: ‘This year’s theme, MY VOICE, OUR EQUAL FUTURE’ provides us with another opportunity to create a better world for girls with the provision of workable strategies enshrined in legal frameworks and recognise that girls count.

‘On this international day of the girl child, let us focus on their demands to assert their power as change-agents wishing to live free from Gender Based Violence (GBV), Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), Child Marriage, Child Labour, Domestic Servitude, Poor Education, Diseases and other harmful Cultural and Religious practices.

Chief Whip of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly Mrs Ebiowou Koku-Obiyai while delivering the keynote address, urged stakeholders to see issues highlighted as a wake up call.

On her part, the Commissioner for Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development Mrs Faith Opuene assured of her Ministry’s determination to champion the cause of the girl child, in line with the policy thrust of the gender- friendly Governor Diri-led Prosperity administration.

The event was attended by the Chairman Commitee on Gender in the State House of Assembly, Hon.Naomi Ogoli,Commissioner Special Duties Bayelsa East,Hon. Preye Broderick, Special Advisers,and Permanent Secretaries, among other dignitaries.

The International Day of the Girl Child celebration climaxed with the unveiling of the book titled “PRESERVING YOUR BEAUTY” , authored by the Bayelsa Firstlady. The event also featured panel discussions by participating schools, interactive session and short drama presentation by daughters of Zion.