Hon. Hauwa Yusuf, ADC National Youth Leader, Celebrates International Day of the Girl Child

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• Hon. Hauwa Yusuf, the National Youth Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), celebrated the International Day of the Girl Child by advocating for the protection and empowerment of young girls, emphasizing their role in shaping the future of Nigeria and the world.
• As the first female National Youth Leader for a political party in Nigeria, Yusuf highlighted the challenges girls face, such as child marriage, gender-based violence, and limited access to education, calling for policies that create safe and empowering environments.
• She stressed that investing in girls’ education and leadership development is essential for societal progress and called for collaborative efforts from the government and private sector to support girls, particularly in rural areas.

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Hon. Hauwa Yusuf, ADC National Youth Leader, Celebrates International Day of the Girl Child

In a historic moment of leadership, Hon. Hauwa Yusuf, the National Youth Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), marked the International Day of the Girl Child with a powerful message advocating for the protection and empowerment of young girls in Nigeria, Africa, and across the globe.

Hon. Yusuf, who is the first-ever female to hold the position of National Youth Leader for a political party in Nigeria, also serves as the Vice Chairperson of the Forum of National Youth Leaders of Political Parties in Nigeria.

Her leadership in these roles makes her a trailblazer and a passionate advocate for the rights of the girl child.

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The International Day of the Girl Child, celebrated annually on October 11, seeks to highlight and address the challenges girls face worldwide, while promoting their empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights.

This year’s theme, “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being,” resonates with Hon. Yusuf’s ongoing advocacy for the inclusion, protection, and leadership development of girls and young women in Nigeria.

In her speech commemorating the day, Hon. Yusuf emphasized the importance of safeguarding the future of the girl child, noting that the empowerment of young girls is essential to the overall development of the nation and the world at large.

“The position of the girl child is sacrosanct to the development of the future of Nigeria, Africa, and the world. As we celebrate this day, we must remember that the girl child is not only vulnerable but also holds the key to a brighter future. Therefore, she must be protected from the negative ills of society,” she stated.

Hon. Yusuf’s journey to becoming a National Youth Leader is itself a testament to the potential and resilience of young girls.

As the first female to break this barrier in Nigerian politics, she has become a symbol of hope for many young women across the country.

Her story exemplifies that with determination, support, and opportunities, girls can rise to positions of influence and leadership, regardless of the obstacles they may face.

In her address, Hon. Yusuf spoke passionately about the need for concerted efforts to protect girls from the various forms of violence and discrimination they face daily.

She highlighted that issues such as child marriage, gender-based violence, lack of access to quality education, and societal expectations continue to hinder the progress of young girls.

“Too often, the girl child is subjected to harmful practices, denied access to education, or placed in environments where her potential is not fully realized. This must change. We must invest in creating a safe, supportive, and empowering environment for girls to thrive,” she said.

She further stressed the importance of education as a fundamental right that can uplift the girl child and prepare her for leadership roles.

According to Hon. Yusuf, when girls are educated, they not only gain knowledge and skills but also the confidence to challenge societal norms and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

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“Education is the most powerful tool we can use to equip the girl child for the future. It gives her the voice to speak up, the power to lead, and the ability to drive change in society,” she remarked.

Hon. Yusuf also called for more proactive policies and programs that directly address the needs of girls, especially in rural and underserved communities.

She urged both the government and private sector to collaborate in providing scholarships, mentorship programs, and safe spaces where girls can develop their talents and leadership skills.

“It is not enough to celebrate the girl child once a year. We must actively work to create lasting opportunities for her every day. This requires political will, community involvement, and financial investment,” she asserted.

Reflecting on her role as a National Youth Leader, Hon. Yusuf reiterated her commitment to championing the cause of young women and ensuring that their voices are heard at every level of decision-making.

“I am proud to stand as a representative of young women in leadership. My position is proof that we can break the glass ceiling, but we must also ensure that we lift others as we rise,” she said.

Hon. Yusuf while concluding called on society to value and respect the girl child, not just as future leaders but as vital contributors to the present.

She emphasized that the future of Nigeria and the world is inextricably linked to the empowerment of girls and that investing in their well-being is a crucial step toward achieving sustainable development.

As the world celebrates the International Day of the Girl Child, Hon. Hauwa Yusuf’s words serve as a reminder that the empowerment of young girls is not just a goal but a necessity for a better and more equitable future.