Include girl child agenda in your programmes, initiatives, Electoral Hub tells stakeholders

A think tank group under the aegis of Electoral Hub, has advocated the inclusion of the girl child agenda in developmental programmes and initiatives.

The group, in a statement released to celebrate International Day of the Girl Child, also urged stakeholders to ensure open, safe, inclusive and sustainable pathways to their democratic political participation around the world.

The statement reads, “As we commemorate the 10th anniversary of the day, girls across the world are demanding “open, safe, inclusive, and sustainable pathways” to socio-political participation . We believe that despite the limitations and challenges confronting the girl child, with unified efforts and deliberate actions, the girl child can be open to opportunities to fulfill her dreams and future.

“In line with Initiative for Research, Innovation, and Advocacy in Development’s commitment to advocating for Gender Equality and Social Inclusion and The Electoral Hub’s commitment to improving youth participation in governance, we urge all relevant stakeholders to include the girl child agenda in their programmes and initiatives as well as ensure open, safe, inclusive and sustainable pathways to their democratic political participation around the world.

“Our call for action towards greater attention and investment for the overall growth and development of the girl child includes supporting adolescent girls by hearing their voices, responding to their socio-economic and socio-political tasks, as well as nurturing spaces for their inclusion in decision-making; increasing resources for girls, and girls’ agendas, networks, initiatives, and programmes; providing quality and inclusive education that prioritizes girls’ well-being; improving access to inclusive adolescent girl-centered services, especially in crisis response and recovery; making schools safe for girls, and ensuring security for girls in schools against violence; mobilising communities’ support for girls’ survivors of Gender-based Violence; strengthening legislation and policy to support girls and providing platforms for girls’ voices to be heard.”

The group also called for the protection of life of every girl child around the world.