Reps Urge Stronger Protection, Empowerment For Girls In Conflict Zones

Ahead of the International Day of the Girl Child, the House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to step up efforts to protect and empower girls, particularly those living in conflict zones and other crisis situations.

The motion, sponsored by Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Kafilat Ogbara,, during plenary in recognition of this year’s theme, “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Front-lines of Crisis.”

Ogbara said the motion celebrates the resilience and leadership of girls worldwide while drawing attention to the discrimination and violence many still face.

“Girls are not merely victims of adversity; they are powerful agents of change who can shape their future and that of their communities,” she said.

She noted that girls often bear the heaviest burden during armed conflicts, natural disasters, and health emergencies, yet many continue to emerge as community leaders and advocates for justice.

Ogbara said empowering girls is not just a social imperative but a foundation for sustainable national development.

“The change they lead is vital not only for their own future but for the future of our societies,” she added.

Adopting the motion, the House urged the Federal Government to prioritise education and skills development for girls in crisis-affected areas and directed security agencies to strengthen measures protecting them from abuse and exploitation.

Lawmakers also called on the Ministry of Women Affairs to establish safe spaces, offer mental health support, and partner with non-governmental organisations to design mentorship and leadership training programmes for girls.

The Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development was mandated to monitor compliance with the resolutions.

“The International Day of the Girl Child is an international observance day declared by the United Nations.

It is also called the Day of Girls and the International Day of the Girl, celebrated October 11 annually to support more opportunity for girls and increase awareness of gender inequality faced by girls worldwide based upon their gender.

This inequality includes areas such as access to education, nutrition, legal rights, medical care, protection from discrimination, violence against women, and forced child marriage.

The celebration of the day also “reflects the successful emergence of girls and young women as a distinct cohort in development policy, programming, campaigning, and research.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji