On October 11, 2023, EHNRD, in conjunction with MCGL went on a meaningful journey to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child. The event took place at Nnodo Secondary School and aimed to honor this unique day while promoting awareness about the rights and well-being of girls. The theme for the commemoration was “OUR TIME IS NOW – OUR RIGHT, OUR FUTURE,” emphasizing the importance of girls’ rights and their role in influencing the future. The program outlined a set of critical activities to help and empower adolescent girls.

Theme and Call to Action:

The theme for the International Day of the Girl Child in 2023, “OUR TIME IS NOW – OUR RIGHT, OUR FUTURE,” emphasized a call to action that addressed five essential objectives:

1. Center girls in the protection and promotion of rights:

2. Recognize, celebrate and promote girls’ leadership.

3. Introduce and scale up multisectoral programs that assist adolescent females’ well-being

4. Ensure information, services, and systems are adolescents girl-friendly.

5. Make provisions for structural changes to scale funding for girls

Event Highlights:

The event at Nnodo Secondary School was attended by a varied range of participants. Notable attendees included the school’s principal and staff, a group of 170 girls from Nnodo Secondary School, representatives from MCGL and EHNRD, as well as prominent figures such as Mrs. Rose-gold Okoro, the Adolescent Desk Officer from the Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Nwigbo Miriam the RH Ebonyi Local Government Area, and Mrs. Elom, a Senior Social Welfare Officer from the State Ministry of Women Affairs.

The session at Nnodo Secondary School was a vibrant and instructive event. It featured talks by the Adolescent Club, focusing on subjects that are vital to the growth and well-being of adolescent girls. Some of the themes covered included menstruation and menstrual hygiene, human rights, friendship, nutrition and the rights of females. These presentations intended to educate and empower the females with critical facts and information.

One of the highlights of the occasion was the address by Mrs. Rose-gold Okoro, the Adolescent Desk Officer from the Ministry of Women Affairs. She presented a compelling message to the girls, highlighting the privileges and rights they are entitled to as women and girls. Mrs. Okoro’s lecture inspired and encouraged the girls to embrace their rights and take ownership of their destiny.

The commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child at Nnodo Secondary School in 2023 was a landmark event that highlighted the dedication of EHNRD and MCGL to the empowerment and well-being of teenage girls. The event, coupled with the worldwide theme, provided a powerful message that girls’ rights, leadership, and future are of crucial importance. It underlined the need for continued assistance, education, and awareness to guarantee that girls can attain their full potential and contribute to society in a significant way.Thecelebration at Nnodo Secondary School marked a big step towards realizing the theme: “OUR TIME IS NOW – OUR RIGHT, OUR FUTURE.” It underlined the necessity of recognizing and celebrating the potential of girls while making actual efforts to ensure their rights and future. This event serves as an inspiration and a reminder of the continued commitment to the well-being and empowerment of girls in our communities and beyond.