The Rivers State Government has restated its commitment to protecting the rights of the girl child and creating opportunities for girls to thrive in a safe and supportive environment.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Lauretta Davies-Dimkpa, gave the assurance in her message to commemorate this year’s International Day of the Girl Child, in the state, observed annually on October 11.
She stated that the state government, under the leadership of Sir Siminalayi Fubara, recognises the importance of safeguarding children’s rights and promoting their wellbeing.
Highlighting efforts by the state to strengthen children’s rights, particularly those of the girl child, the Permanent Secretary noted that Rivers State now has a functional Children’s Parliament, which provides a platform for children to express their views and participate in discussions on issues affecting their welfare and development.
She also identified the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) at Borokiri, in Port- Harcourt Local Government Area as a key intervention to address sexual violence by providing survivors with access to support and relevant services.
The Permanent Secretary also highlighted the ministry’s partnerships with UNICEF, ActionAid and other stakeholders to combat child marriage, female genital mutilation, gender-based violence and other harmful practices, all geared towards promoting the rights, protection and empowerment of the girl child in Rivers State.
She noted that this year’s theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights”, underscores the need for concerted action to protect girls from child marriage, abuse, harmful practices, exploitation and discrimination, while ensuring access to education, healthcare and other essential services.
According to her, “child marriage deprives girls of their childhood, disrupts their education, threatens their wellbeing and limits their opportunities to realise their full potential”.
She stressed that “every girl deserves to grow up in an environment where her rights are respected, her dignity is protected and her voice is heard”.
To address this, the Permanent Secretary called on parents, guardians, caregivers, community leaders, religious institutions, schools and relevant government agencies to work together to discourage child marriage and other harmful practices.
She also encouraged girls to remain focused on their education, recognise their worth and speak up when their rights are threatened, while urging families and communities to provide the guidance and support they need to succeed.
Davies-Dimkpa called on all stakeholders to translate the message of the day into concrete action to protect girls and uphold their rights, saying that “protecting the girl child and investing in her future is essential to the development of Rivers State and society at large.”
- Igbiks is the Information/Public Relations Officer, RSMSW-R.