Use Media to set public, political agenda for women, adolescent girls’ wellbeing – Dr Rane
By Samuel Luka, Bauchi
Media practitioners have been enjoined to make use of their various wide-reaching media platforms to set the public and political agenda for the wellbeing of women and adolescent girls.
Dr Tushar Rane, Chief, UNICEF Bauchi Field Office made the call while welcoming participants at the opening ceremony of Media Dialogue to mark the 2024 International Women’s Day (IWD) at the Evolution Hotel in Gombe state Wednesday.
He emphasized on the need for stakeholders to push further for a world, characterized by equity and inclusivity, where girls and boys are empowered to access and benefit from the same rights, resources, opportunities, and protections, fostering a society where every person can thrive.
Dr. Rane pointed out that the contributions of women has over the years, paved the way for inclusive and sustainable development, shaping a brighter future for generations to come.
According to him, by providing adolescent girls with the necessary support, access, and opportunities to realize their potential, they would have the ability to become formidable agents of change.
Dr. Rane who stated that girls can play a crucial role in tackling some of the most pressing global challenges, such as climate change, poverty, and conflict if they are empowered.
He however regretted that adolescent girls’ rights worldwide are under threat, with progress on key issues either stagnating or regressing on a global scale.
“In the face of challenges such as the ongoing global economic crisis, political turmoil, and humanitarian emergencies, adolescent girls are often overlooked, exploited, or placed in precarious situations”, he said.
“Shockingly, one in seven girls in developing countries is married before reaching the age of 15. Moreover, adolescent girls continue to face elevated risks of sexual violence”, the Chief, UNICEF Bauchi Field Office disclosed.
He further explained if the present trajectories persist, the number of girls and women living in extreme poverty in sub-Saharan Africa is projected to increase by 2030.
“Nearly half of adolescent girls in UNICEF programme countries suffer from anemia and lacking access to essential health and nutrition services in the event of pregnancy”, Dr. Rane said.
