In commemoration of the 2022 International Youth Day with the theme “Intergenerational solidarity: Creating a world for all Ages”, the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen has saluted all young Nigeria women from different walks of life, for their selfless sacrifices in their families, communities and the larger society.
According to her, they are the unseen hands that move mountains, giving realities to dreams, and they are the silent voices shaping the society, as the struggles of life by virtue of being born a ‘girl-child” particularly that of a Nigerian Girl/Woman is in itself a way of life to accord respect to.
In a statement, the Minister further maintained that the 2022 theme is apt, as it resonates with the milestones recorded by young women across all sectors of the Nigerian economy.
In her words, “This day further provides the opportunity to celebrate the young women who dared the odds to bring cheers and reshape the story of our dear country Nigeria at the global sports arena, where our National flag and Anthem re-echoed our collective image as a land of great potential. With great determination and admiration of the world, our young women hurled in gold medals, after shattering outstanding records after records which placed us as the best Team in Africa. Those moments were beautiful and breath taking as we watched with pride forgetting our tribal and religious difference which has torn through the fabric of our society. Ladies once again thank you for making the woman relevant”. She wrote.
Tallen also restated her commitment to work with the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Otunba Sunday Dare, to ensure that the names of young successful women are etched on the walls of the Nigerian Women Hall of Fame as a lasting legacy of their efforts.
She however used the occasion to appreciate all the 34 State Governors that have passed the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (2015) and the 31 States that have passed the Child Rights Act (2003) and to appeal to the others to join in the struggle as they have also unanimously committed to zero tolerance to Gender-Based Violence.
“The 9th National Assembly has also done noble by enacting the Act to ensure that the Universities remain a true citadel for young girls to realize their dreams without being frustrated by Lecturers.” She added.
While maintaining that the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs remain committed to creating the pathway for the female Youths to realize their aspirations as partners of progress, Tallen noted that the times we are in, calls for sober reflections and a change in societal attitude towards the girl-child.
As she pointed out that women remains victim of all discriminations and societal vices, ranging from rape, early and forced marriage, Genital Mutilation, Malnutrition, abduction, kidnapping, trafficking, Baby Factory, among other vices.