WOMAN Reiterates Commitment to Girl Child Empowerment in Bayelsa community
The Women Organized for Mentorship and Advocacy Network (WOMAN) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the mentorship, empowerment, and protection of the girl child, stressing the need to equip girls with the confidence, skills, and opportunities to lead change even in times of crisis.
This was made known by the Executive Director of WOMAN, Lady Eunice Nnachi, during an event held in Ogu Community, Yenagoa Bayelsa State, to commemorate the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child, themed “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis.”
In her welcome address, Lady Nnachi underscored the importance of nurturing the potential of girls through education, mentorship, and family support. She emphasized that stable and loving families provide the foundation for girls to thrive and take leadership roles even in challenging circumstances.
> “This day reminds us that the girl child is not a passive observer but an active leader. We recognize the role of the girl child in shaping the future — girls have proven to be resourceful and powerful agents of change,” she said.
Lady Nnachi urged young girls to remain focused, avoid idleness, and dedicate themselves to their education, noting that seeking guidance from parents and mentors is key to personal growth and responsible leadership.
Delivering a keynote address, Lady Chinwe Ubani from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) discussed the challenges faced by girls in crisis situations. She highlighted the importance of protecting the rights of girls to education, safety, and dignity, stressing that harmful cultural practices such as child marriage, trafficking, and sexual abuse continue to hinder the progress of many young girls across Nigeria.
> “As a girl child, we are faced with many harmful cultural practices such as trafficking and rape, but a girl must show resilience and determination to overcome these challenges. Girls should see themselves as change agents and not victims,” Ubani stated.
A representative of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Ms. Tariere Joel, enlightened participants on the agency’s role in safeguarding vulnerable girls from exploitation and abuse. She warned young girls to be cautious of traffickers who lure victims with false promises of education or job opportunities.
Similarly, Mrs. Evelyn Ozeh, representing Starz Safety Initiative, addressed the issue of gender-based violence, encouraging girls to speak up and seek help whenever they experience any form of harassment or molestation. She emphasized that silence often empowers perpetrators, while speaking out is the first step to justice and healing.
The Woman Leader of Ogu Community, Mrs. Jane Simangi, expressed appreciation to the leadership of WOMAN and all partnering organizations for visiting their community to celebrate the girl child and for empowering young girls with valuable knowledge and gift items.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Pere-owei Asingbi, Program Officer at WOMAN, thanked all speakers, panelists, and partners for their contributions to the success of the event, while commending the girls for their active participation and enthusiasm.
The highlight of the celebration was the presentation of gift items to participants and a heartwarming song performance by the girls, symbolizing hope, unity, and the determination to lead change.
The event reinforced WOMAN’s vision of building a generation of empowered girls who are confident, resilient, and ready to transform their communities. As Lady Nnachi aptly put it, “When a girl is educated, protected, and given equal opportunity, she becomes a catalyst for peace, growth, and development.”
WOMAN’s celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child served as both a call to action and a reminder that every girl, regardless of background or circumstance, has the potential to say with confidence — “I am the change my community needs.”
