Girls Advocate Provision of Digital Literacy Programme, Internet Acces
Commissioner of Women Affairs, Child Development and Social Welfare, Hajiya Zainab Baban-Takko (L) and her counterpart in the Ministry of Lands and Survey, Hajiya Amina Katagum. Photo: Murtala Muhammad
By Murtala Muhammad
Girls in Bauchi state have advocated the provision of digital literacy programmes and tools in schools, internet access in rural areas, Gender inclusion and healthy guidance on menstrual hygiene management.
They made the advocacy at an event to commemorate 2024 International Day of the Girl Child, being celebrated annually on 11th October, organized by Global Affairs Canada funded Plan International’s Aspire Project, in collaboration with the Bauchi State’s Ministry of Women Affairs, Child Development and Social Welfare, held in Bauchi.
Speaking on behalf of the girls under the aegis of Girls Out Loud Community, Farida Yusuf and Ruth Emanuel have also called on the government to introduce Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights education in Schools’ Curricula, digital literacy programmes and equip schools with digital tools for the girl to have easy access.
Provision of these needs, according to the girls would give them the opportunity to attain their full potentials and as well thrive in their various fields of interest.
Addressing the girls at the occasion, the Bauchi State’s Commissioner of Women Affairs, Child Development and Social Welfare, Hajiya Zainab Baban-Takko assured to collaborate with the State Ministry of Education towards ensuring government’s positive response to their stated needs.
She used herself as an example to inspire the girls, saying attaining numerous positions in her political career was really tasking and charged them to be committed and resilient in pursuing their dreams.
Zainab Baban-Takko who recalled her experience when she was married off while she was in Junior Secondary School, JSS II noted that although she faced a numerous challenges in going back to the classroom but was proud to assert that her perseverance yields fruitful result.
While advising the girls not to give up in working towards attaining their full potentials, the Commissioner argued that nothing good follows anyone without working for it.
Also speaking, the State Commissioner of Lands and Survey, Hajiya Amina Katagum who joined her counterpart in inspiring the girls, said none of them is created to be useless, challenged them to acquire education in whatever field of their interests.
She assured the girls that with quality education, no position in this world would be too big for them adding the benefit of same was unquantifiable.
On her part, the Gender Equality and Inclusion Officer, Aspire Project, Bauchi Damaris Philemon expressed appreciation to the Bauchi State Government for the provision of enabling environment and to the two Commissioners for the inspirational talks during the occasion.
This year’s theme of the International Day of the Girl Child is: “Girls’ Vision for the Future”.
