IDG: AHF Calls for Policies to Empower Girls

Akwa Ibom State Pledges to Protect the Girl-Child from Gender-Based Violence and Discrimination

In a significant move aimed at safeguarding the rights and well-being of young girls, the Akwa Ibom state government has made a commitment to protect the girl-child from gender-based violence (GBV) and discrimination. This pledge comes in response to growing concerns about the challenges faced by girls, particularly in terms of access to education, healthcare, and overall empowerment.

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), an organization dedicated to improving public health, has emphasized the need for supportive programs and policies that expand access to healthcare services, especially sexual and reproductive health services for adolescent girls and young women. The foundation highlighted the importance of increasing investments in HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) prevention, testing, and treatment programs, as well as comprehensive sexuality education.

During the commemoration of the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child, held at Community Commercial Secondary School in Ikot Oku, Ubo, Offot, Uyo, the theme "The girl I am, the change I lead: Girls on the frontline of crisis" was celebrated. This event aimed to protect girls from HIV, honor their achievements, and reinforce the urgent need to expand opportunities for them to thrive and stay healthy.

Dr. Echey Ijezie, the Country Programmes Director of AHF Nigeria, stressed the importance of addressing period poverty, promoting comprehensive sexuality education, and combating gender-based violence and child marriage. He noted that these issues are key drivers of health inequality and called for immediate action to address them.

Ijezie also highlighted the role of the AHF's Girls Act program, which empowers girls and young women in nearly 40 countries with the knowledge, support, and resources to remain free from HIV and other STIs, adhere to treatment for those living with HIV, stay in school, and avoid unplanned pregnancies.

Empowering Girls Through Education and Health Initiatives

In her speech at the event, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Inibehehe Silas Etukudo, acknowledged the challenges girls face in the state but praised their resilience and determination. She emphasized the importance of creating opportunities where girls' voices are heard, their leadership is nurtured, and their potential is unleashed.

Etukudo reiterated the state's commitment to securing funding and programs that would empower girls, from scholarships to health initiatives. She underscored the significance of education as the cornerstone of this vision, stating that every girl in Akwa Ibom deserves access to quality education, free from obstacles such as poverty or early marriage.

She also highlighted the need to prioritize girls' health, ensuring access to menstrual hygiene resources and mental health support so they can flourish. Her message was clear: the state must stand firm in protecting girls from GBV and discrimination, creating a safe environment where every girl feels empowered to soar.

Addressing the Global Crisis Facing Girls

Dr. Ekemini Essien, the AHF State Coordinator, pointed out that girls worldwide are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS and face numerous abuses, yet they have very few opportunities compared to their male counterparts. He urged authorities to address this issue by empowering girls with the necessary tools, knowledge, and skills to excel.

Essien encouraged the girls to be resilient and focused for a secure future. Meanwhile, Jessica Charles, the linkage coordinator of AHF, emphasized the need for the empowerment of the girl-child. She stressed that empowerment should not only be economic but also include access to right information, healthcare, education, and the ability to make decisions.

Charles urged girls to always stand tall and speak up against any form of abuse. She said, “This is not the time when you should be shy about how you feel about your reproductive health. Speak up against any abuse.”

A Call to Action for Girls and Their Communities

One of the participants, Rhoda Vincent, who is the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State Children’s Parliament, appreciated AHF for its efforts in identifying with the girl-child and empowering them, especially in sexual health rights and gender equality. She reminded girls of their role as change-makers and world movers, urging them to remain focused, dedicated, and to take their menstrual hygiene seriously.

The highpoint of the occasion included the distribution of disposable and reusable sanitary pads, toiletries, and discussions on menstrual hygiene. These efforts aim to address the critical issue of period poverty and ensure that girls have access to essential resources.

Statistics reveal that over 4,000 young women aged 15-24 are being infected with HIV weekly, with more than 3,300 cases in sub-Saharan Africa. This underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for continued advocacy and action to protect and empower the girl-child.