Int’l day of girl child: Advocacy group calls for action to pull down barriers stalling girl child development

Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

As the world marks the international day of the girl child, a gender advocacy group, Protect the Precious foundation (PTPF) has identified barriers responsible for the inability of the girl child to fulfill her leadership role in the society..

In a statement by the lead person of the foundation, Nora Okafor, such challenges include child marriage, illiteracy, limited access to health care.

According to her, “The celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child 2025 with the theme, “The girl I am, the change I lead,” reminds us that girls are not just the leaders of tomorrow — they are leaders today.

“But too many girls still face barriers like dropping out of school, child marriage, and limited access to healthcare.”

She said that those challenges silence voices that should be shaping the future.

The lead person hinted on how the foundation had overtime stepped in to help broken girls regain their self esteem and pursue their dreams

“At Protect the Precious Foundation (PTPF), we have seen how mentorship, safe spaces, and empowerment programs can help girls find their confidence and step into leadership. Every girl deserves the chance to learn, to dream, and to lead,,” she said.

It therefore called on stakeholders and policy makers to take the necessary decisions that will serve as catalyst to the success of the girl child.

“This is more than a celebration. It is a call to action. Let’s stand with girls, amplify their voices, and create a world where they can rise without limits,” she said.