Consortium of National CSOs Marks 2025 International Day of the Girl Child in Benue, Urges Stronger Protection and Empowerment for Girls

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

As the world celebrates the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child, the Consortium of National Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) has joined the global community in honoring the strength, resilience, and leadership of girls across Nigeria.

This year’s theme, “The Girl I Am; The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis,” highlights the bravery of girls driving change amid global challenges such as conflict, climate change, and insecurity. It further recognizes their role as innovators, leaders, and problem-solvers who continue to inspire transformation in their communities.

In a statement issued in Makurdi, the Deputy Executive Director and Gender Focal Point of the Gender and Environmental Risk Reduction Initiative (GERI), Stephanie Temang, emphasized the need to safeguard the girl child—the woman of tomorrow—from the social and environmental effects of crises.

“At GERI, we continue to work toward reducing environmental and humanitarian risks that disproportionately affect women and girls, especially in conflict and disaster-prone areas,” she said. “Investing in girls today guarantees intergenerational impact and lasting resilience for future generations.”

Similarly, Nyiyam Pauline Ikyereve of the Initiative for Human Rights and Gender Awareness (IHRGA) reaffirmed her organization’s dedication to protecting and empowering girls worldwide.

“Despite notable progress, millions of girls still face discrimination, violence, and barriers to education,” she said. “We call on governments, communities, and individuals to take bold steps to ensure every girl has the right to learn, to be safe, and to lead.”

The Executive Director of the Gender and Community Empowerment Initiative (GECOME), Dorcas Iorkusa, described the girl child as “a beacon of limitless potential, strength, and transformation.”

“Even amid insecurity, gender-based violence, and human rights abuses, girls continue to rise with courage and creativity,” she noted. “We envision a future where resources are used effectively to empower girls as agents of positive change in their communities.”

In the same vein, the Prime Youths and Women Empowerment Initiative (PYEWI) reiterated its belief in the power of girls to shape their futures and influence their societies.

According to the Executive Director, Iveren Blessing Ilim, “We stand with girls who rise above crisis to lead change, inspire hope, and redefine what is possible. Our commitment remains to nurture their voices, strengthen their leadership, and create safe, inclusive spaces where they can thrive, lead, and transform their world.”

As a consortium, the organizations collectively reaffirmed their resolve to promote gender equality, amplify girls’ voices, and ensure that no girl is left behind.

They emphasized that empowering girls is not only a moral obligation but also a strategic pathway toward achieving sustainable development, peace, and prosperity.

“Today, we celebrate every girl—her strength, her dreams, and her leadership,” the statement concluded. “Together, let us continue to build a world where every girl can boldly say: ‘The Girl I Am is the Change I Lead.’”