By Paul Akalonu
The United States Consulate General in Nigeria, in collaboration with the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Alumnae Association of Nigeria, hosted 100 schoolgirls from across the country to commemorate International Day of the Girl Child, emphasizing the importance of girls’ empowerment through increased access to education.
The International Day of the Girl Child draws attention to the importance of addressing the issues that girls experience, as well as promoting girls’ empowerment and the realization of their human rights.
The event, themed “Our time is now, our right, our future,” gave high school girls the opportunity to learn about emotional intelligence, how to harness their strengths, explore career options, and study at US schools and universities.
U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Officer Joe Kruzich stated in his remarks that the US government works closely with partners and civil society organizations to assist girl children live free from gender-based violence, learn new skills, and become future leaders.
He outlined a number of US government initiatives, including TechGirls, TechWomen, and the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs, that focuses and empower girls and young women so they can flourish and achieve and have a long-term good influence on their own future.
Kruzich stated that the empowerment and inclusion of girls and women are critical to Nigeria’s long-term economic success.
