Dear Fellow Social workers in Africa,
Today, we celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child. This day is an opportunity for us to reflect on the challenges that girls face and to renew our commitment to promoting their rights and well-being. This year’s theme, “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being,” highlights the importance of investing in girls’ education, health, and safety. Girls are leaders of today and tomorrow, and they have the potential to transform their communities and countries. However, they face many obstacles that prevent them from realizing their full potential.
In many parts of Africa, girls are still denied access to education, health care, and other basic services. They are also at risk of child marriage, female genital mutilation, and other forms of violence. These practices not only violate their human rights but also hinder their development and well-being.
As we celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child, let us commit ourselves to investing in girls’ rights. Let us ensure that every girl has access to quality education, health care, and other essential services. Let us protect them from all forms of violence and discrimination. And let us empower them to become leaders in their communities and countries.
We must also recognize that many African countries are facing crises that are affecting the well-being of girls. For instance, Burkina Faso has been plagued by jihadist violence since 2015 and is currently experiencing “the most neglected crisis in the world”. The Horn of Africa is also facing a humanitarian crisis with more than 43 million people in need of assistance across Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia. Moreover, there has been a growing trend of military coups across Africa since 2020. The recent earthquake in Morocco has also been added to the list of recent crises affecting the continent. All these crises have resulted in political instability and insecurity, which disproportionately affect girls and women.
As we mark the International Day of the Girl Child, let us renew our commitment to investing in girls’ rights. Let us ensure that every girl has access to quality education, health care, and other essential services. Let us protect them from all forms of violence and discrimination. And let us empower them to become leaders in their communities and countries.
Oluwatoni Modupe Adeleke
Vice President IFSW Africa