By Bimbola Sulaiman
October 11 of every year has been designated as the International Day of the Girl Child. It is the day set aside for the recognition of unique challenges confronting girls globally, and simultaneously advocating their well being and equal opportunities.
It is a moment to reflect on societal norms, traditions, and structures that limit the potential of the girl child and canvass a future where every girl will have limitless opportunities to thrive.
The Power of Equality and Opportunity
Why should Rasaq be seen to deserve being educated but his sister does not? Why must a girl be relegated to the kitchen, taught only how to serve, rather than the necessity to learn how to lead, innovate, or heal? The sentiment that positions a boy to be more worthy of better opportunities than a girl does not only disparage the girl but also undermines the potential of the society. The world loses brilliant minds, future doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs to gender bias as being born a female person in a society that favours male dominance becomes a stigma the girl has to live with.
This injustice raises a fundamental question: Why is it considered a crime to be a girl child? Why should the ambitions and dreams of a girl be sacrificed on the altar of tradition and patriarchy?
Girls are Capable, Resilient, and Deserving
Victor may be talented, but Elizabeth has equal potential. Ebenezer may wear the lawyer’s gown today, but Fausat can also wear the wig and the gown. She can be an outstanding pharmacist or clutch a stethoscope as a doctor. Yet, the uneven distribution of opportunities denies girls these possibilities. Most girls are born into a world where they are constantly reminded that they must be silent, endure, and serve, rather than dream, aspire, and conquer.
The strength of girls is often undervalued. From the tender age, many girls are taught tolerance, resilience, and adaptability. These traits, though invaluable, are too often a means of survival in a world that does not fully recognise or support them. Girls are told to “manage” their circumstances and endure inequality, but in truth, they deserve to be empowered, not just tolerated.
Breaking the Chains of Gender Bias
International Day of the Girl Child challenges these outdated norms. It queries why societies believe that the voices and contributions of boys are more valuable than those of girls. It calls for the dismantling of systems that prevent girls from pursuing their dreams.
Why should Fausat be any less of a doctor because of her gender? Why must Elizabeth’s potential to innovate and create be stifled? The right to dream big, pursue one’s passion and make impact in a society should not be determined by whether you were born male or female. Gender should not be a boundary; it should be a springboard for diverse perspectives and equal opportunities.
Society’s Role in Girls’ Empowerment
The society that silences the girl child is the same society that loses her potential to shape her world. Imagine a world where every girl is allowed to learn, grow and contribute. It will be a world where innovation flourishes, where healthcare improves, where leadership is diverse and dynamic, and where economies grow stronger.
Society must stop viewing the girl child as a liability that only needs to be married off or taught how to cook and serve. Instead, we should recognise her worth and ability to contribute to the future. Investing in a girl child is investing in the future of humanity. When girls are educated, supported, and given equal opportunities, they become unstoppable forces of change.
A Call for Change on This International Day for the Girl Child
Let us challenge the notion that being a girl is a limitation. Let us break free from the chains of patriarchy, gender bias, and outdated traditions that hold girls back. Let us champion the cause of equality for all children, regardless of their gender.
To the girl child out there, you are not born to be silenced. You are not born to be invisible. You are born to shine, lead, inspire. The world needs your voice, your strength, your resilience. You are more capable. You are a future asset.
Conclusion
For every parent, guardian, and the society at large, it’s time to rethink how we treat our girls. Your daughter may be the next renowned scientist, doctor, president or innovator. All she needs is the opportunity. Let us make the world a place where every girl can explore her full potential. When we invest in girls, we invest in the future of the world.
Bimbola Sulaiman
