Young school girls desiring to make it in their chosen careers have been advised to be bold and assertive to be able to break many barriers that could prevent them from achieving their life dreams.
These and many other inspirational talks were the key points during a programme organised by the Gombe State branch of Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) and the National Young Doctors Forum (NYDF) held at Government Day Secondary School, Gandu, Gombe State, to mark the 2023 International Day for the Girl- Child.
Many young girls in Nigeria, especially in the North, have to contend with many socio-cultural, traditional and religious barriers before they can achieve their chosen careers in life.
This is because the education and welfare of the girl – child has been relegated to the background by major stakeholders in the society which includes the government, religious, traditional and community leaders.
National Coordinator of the Young Doctors Forum of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, Dr Safiya Tanko, in an interview with our correspondent shortly after the programme, said the event was specifically organised by the association to inspire the young girls in spite of the challenges they are facing in the society.
The professional young doctors presented themselves to the excited girls as perfect models and Dr Safiya said, “We came to inspire the girls, encourage, counsel and guide them to be on the right path.
“We encouraged and counselled them on their life and career choices as well as the need for them to take their studies seriously despite the challenges they face as girls in the society.
“It is possible for them to be doctors, lawyers or whatever career they choose for themselves but they must take their education as paramount”, adding that the rights and needs of the girl- child must be protected and met by her parents and government.
Reflecting on this year’s theme, ‘Invest in girls rights: our leadership, our well-being’, Dr. Tanko called on the government at all levels to invest in girls’ education and their well-being.
She said, “things are getting more and more expensive to be able to educate girls. A girl should be educated to at least the secondary school level. Government should invest in the education of the girl- child”
On her part, Dr Mercy Raymond, the Gombe State coordinator of MWAN-NYDFF, took the audience on an emotional story of her resilience and struggles by her widowed mother to ensure she succeeded to her current level of being a consultant Paediatric Doctor.
The association distributed detergents to the female students to encourage personal hygiene in their homes.
