A United Nations Report shows that globally, twelve million girls are married before the age of eighteen each year while one in five girls had experienced sexual violence.
To this end, Every 11th of October is set aside to commemorate the international day of the girl child.
The day is to raise awareness on issues facing girls worldwide and drive efforts to meet their needs.
This year’s theme is “my voice our equal future”.
Furthermore, since the outbreak of COVID-19, violence against the girl- child like rape and domestic violence have increased.
What then are the causes of these vices against the girl child?
A social health developer, Mrs. Titilade Da-Costa attributed abuse of girl child on African Tradition and culture which portrays females as lesser individuals and a mere caretaker.
Some residents of Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital who spoke with Radio Nigeria identified lack of parental skills and psychological problems as some reasons for the abuses, called for stiffer penalties for offender
How then can these abuses against the female child be curbed?
Mrs. Da-Costa noted that it was imperative for media organisations to increase awareness on these vices while civil organizations should step up efforts at reforming those that have been abused.
Contributing, National Coordinator of a Non-Governmental Organisation, Concerned Parents and Educators Initiative Group, Mrs. Olukemi Koleowo pointed out that there was need for re-orientating of the girl-child to make her utilize her potentials fully.
A psychologist, Dr. Olugbemi Olukolade emphasised that effects of gender based violence are numerous which might be physical, emotional and psychological.
Dr. Olukolade advocated counselling to tackle the psychological effects of gender based violence which if unattended to, might last for a lifetime.
Titilayo Kupoliyi
pub-5160901092443552
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