The Young Women Christian Association (YWCA), Lagos, recently marked this year’s International Day of the Girl Child by calling for collective efforts to create opportunities for girls and young women at forums where issues affecting their daily lives are deliberated and concluded on.
For the past six years, the YWCA Lagos, in partnership with the YWCA Church of Pentecost, Festac Town has been marking the day by organising a capacity-building and empowerment programme for girls living and studying in the Festac Community.
The theme of this year’s programme was ‘Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership and Wellbeing’.
This year, the YWCA Lagos also raised collective voices against the menace of sexual and drug abuse, which is threatening the survival and active participation of future leaders.
The Chairman of YWCA Lagos, Ms. Kemi Oludipe, who was represented by Dr. Olatokunbo Oseni, an executive of the YWCA Lagos, stressed the importance of having women present at tables where issues that affect their daily lives are decided.
A paper on leadership and well-being was delivered by Mrs. Itunu Adejuwon; a paper on sexual abuse was delivered by Dr Ekanem Nesiama; a pharmacist, Shade Lawal delivered the lecture on drug abuse; while Mrs Uloma Arukwe handled guidance and counselling.
Dignitaries present at the event included a representative of the chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government Council Area and the vicar of the Church of Pentecost, Festac Town.
The participating schools were JOMAL Secondary School, Festac; Assemblies of God College, Festac; Adetiloye Anglican College, Festac; Pentecost College, Iyana Iba; KABE College, Festac; and Queensland College, Okota.
The students thanked the organisers for making a huge impact in their lives through the programme.
Why did the YWCA emphasize the importance of having women present at decision-making tables, and what were their specific goals related to girls’ inclusion in decision-making processes?