In a bid to ensure that the girl-child is not denied of educational rights enjoyed by her male counterparts, Annabel Aondoyila , Programmes Manager of Sister’s Against HIV and Cancer Initiative (SACHI) has stressed the need to educate the girl child as the benefits of investing in the girl-child far exceed the cost of not doing so.
Fielding questions from newsmen during a sensitization campaign walk held on Tuesday to mark the 2022 Edition of the International Women’s Day celebration, at Up Agbarho Road, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Annabel Odigilah, said that over the years it has been proven that the woman’s role does not end only in the kitchen.
According to her, “gone are those days where people will say that there is no need to educate the girl-child as she will only end up in the kitchen and labour room. Today educating a girl-child is an investment in a family because empowered women often transfer their empowerment to their children, families and whole communities. It is high time society recognizes that the girl-child education is key and must be a priority. She needs to be educated properly just like the male child. We should all be treated equally, male or female needs to be educated without discrimination.
“An educated girl-child today will eventually become a mother who will have the potential of breaking the vicious circle of poverty, illiteracy and ignorance tomorrow. The women are doing so well despite the odds against them and we celebrate them today and charge the society to give them their place as they have a role to play in nation building.
Reacting to the National Assembly rejection of the five pro-women build, she said “the fact that the bills were rejected, does not mean that we should stop pushing, We need to keep pushing, we need to let them know that we have a role to play, women need to be bold in expressing themselves and definitely some day, we will get it all.”
On his part, Monday Obio said if men are more involved in the fight against gender inequality, there shall be great feedback . “It pertinent that we use this day to talk to those in our community on the need to stem the tide of gender inequality. Our culture, tradition empowers men to deny women of so many privileges and opportunities.
“Women’s participation in governance and leadership is not only an essential prerequisite for removing gender inequality but also the attainment of basic human rights. There is need to give women what is due them in the society. We all have equal rights, women have the same right as men.
“There are so many violent cases against underage girls, married and unmarried women nowadays that if we must change the narrative, we have to regularly and urgently sensitize the people on the need to end gender based violence. For any woman, if you are stuck with a man that is violent, do not wait to be killed do a temporal separation and pray for God to intervene in your issue.”
Agbarakwe Theodora stated that the NGO, Sister’s Against HIV and Cancer Initiative (SACHI) with its office at No 3 Prinn Adakre drive upper Agbarho Ughelli is into prevention of HIV/AID, sensitization on cervical cancer, screening, treatment of STI, Malaria, Hepatitis B,C etcetera.
Speaking further, she said “Aside all these health services mentioned, we also have a friendly facility where young people come to play snooker, table tennis, relax and watch educating movies.
Other crew members at the campaign rally includes Eguono Aghogho Christmas Joseph, Kevin Oruma, Iboy Helen, Vitalis Onah, Omolayo Ademua and Bukola Akande.
