As we celebrate this year’s International Day of the Girl Child, themed “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” the Centre for Women Studies and Intervention (CWSI) remains committed to empowering girls to realize their dreams and break free from harmful cultural practices. Our mission continues to focus on providing young girls with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to overcome challenges and shape a future where their rights are fully protected.
Human Rights Sensitization in Schools
CWSI’s Human Rights Sensitization Outreaches in schools across Nigeria have been a pivotal part of our intervention. By using our Human Rights Manual, we educate young girls on their legal rights, empowering them to identify and challenge violations such as Child, Early, and Forced Marriages (CEFM). Post-assessment tests revealed significant improvements in the girls’ understanding of their rights, giving them the foundation to envision a future where their dignity and autonomy are upheld.
Vocational and Financial Literacy Empowerment
CWSI also recognizes the importance of economic independence in reducing girls’ vulnerability to harmful practices. Through vocational and financial literacy training, 82 girls were trained under the ” Community Action To End Child Early and Forced Marriages” Funded by the United States Agency For International Development (USAID). These skills not only equip them to earn a living but also reduce their vulnerability to CEFM and other harmful practices, allowing them to pursue their vision for a brighter future built on financial stability and independence.
Championing the Girl-Child Movement in Cross River State
In Cross River State, CWSI has successfully launched the Girl-Child Movement, an initiative that encourages young girls to take leadership roles in advocating for their rights. This movement promotes self-confidence and collective action, inspiring girls to be architects of their own lives. By fostering leadership and advocacy skills, CWSI ensures that girls are active participants in shaping a future where they have control over their lives and decisions.
Psycho-Social Support for Survivors of CEFM and SGBV
To address the mental health challenges faced by survivors of Child, Early, and Forced Marriages (CEFM) and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), CWSI, in its programming, provides psycho-social support to adolescent girls who are survivors of CEFM and SGBV to help them heal and rebuild their lives. By incorporating Psycho social support in our intervention, we ensure that survivors receive the emotional Support needed to recover from trauma and envision a future filled with hope and resilience.
Celebrating Progress, Building the Future
As we commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child, CWSI remains steadfast in its mission to empower girls and protect their rights. Through our holistic approach—combining human rights education, economic empowerment, leadership training, and psycho-social support—we are helping girls not only envision a future free from violence and discrimination but also take active steps to achieve it.
We call on the Governments, Civil Society organizations, International Non-Governmental Organizations, the private sector and communities to amplify efforts targeted at addressing issues affecting the girl child. Together we can inspire and support the next generation of girls as they work toward a future where their dreams and aspirations are realized. Through concerted efforts, we can help girls create a world where their voices are heard, their rights are respected, and their potential is fully unlocked.
Happy International Day Of The Girl Child
