On October 22, 2024, a significant town hall engagement was held in Cross River State, Nigeria, advocating for the empowerment of women and girls across all 18 local government areas. This event was organized by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Gender Mainstreaming, Mrs. Utibe-Abasi Bassey Duke, in conjunction with the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, and supported by the United Nations Women. The occasion coincided with the International Day of the Girl-Child, themed ‘Girls Vision for the Future.’ High-level traditional leaders and community groups participated, underscoring the collective call for gender equality and the promotion of opportunities for women and girls in various sectors.
During the event, the Obong of Calabar expressed a strong commitment to enhancing women’s participation in political processes, including local government elections scheduled for 2024. He emphasized the importance of seeing girls in leadership roles, stating confidence in their ability to contribute meaningfully beyond traditional expectations of domestic life. His vision of a girl-child goes beyond mere domesticity, envisioning them as future leaders in boardrooms, politics, and technological innovation. He stressed that both men and women possess equal qualifications for various roles, urging a collective effort from families and communities to support the growth and education of girls.
The traditional ruler highlighted the importance of guidance, protection, and access to opportunities for young girls, drawing parallels to past community efforts that successfully abolished harmful practices. He called for a united stance among traditional rulers, stakeholders, and the community to ensure that young girls are given the necessary tools and support to navigate their paths to empowerment. The Obong’s motivational remarks aimed to inspire all participants to actively champion the rights and capabilities of the girl-child, emphasizing that societal change begins at home and in local communities.
The event also featured remarks from the UN representative, Kenechukwu Asuku, who reaffirmed the significance of the International Day of the Girl-Child in inspiring girls to dream big and realize those dreams. Asuku’s message highlighted the accomplishments of women in various fields, including medicine, engineering, and leadership, encouraging the community’s leaders to foster an environment where girls can pursue their ambitions without fear. She advocated for a concerted effort to combat gender-based violence and champion opportunities for girls, stressing that every girl deserves the chance to thrive in her chosen path.
Her Excellency Eyoanwan Bassey Edet Otu, wife of the governor, conveyed appreciation for the collaborative efforts in celebrating the day, recognizing the vital role traditional leaders play in advocacy for women’s rights and education. She provided insights into STEM initiatives that have benefited approximately 8,000 girls in the state, reinforcing the message that educating a girl is tantamount to educating a nation. Her remarks reiterated the need for lasting structural change within educational systems that support girls’ achievements across disciplines, thereby fostering a brighter collective future.
In addition, Mrs. Duke’s address underlined her department’s commitment to gender equality and empowerment initiatives in Cross River State. She detailed efforts being made to ensure the safety, education, and skill acquisition for girls. Emphasizing the potential of every girl-child, she vowed to continue the fight for gender equality and the allocation of resources towards impactful programs that enrich the lives of girls. The day served not only as a reminder of girls’ potential but also as a crucial moment for the community to rally together to realize a future where girls can fulfill their aspirations and contribute to society meaningfully.
