By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA Nigeria), Bauchi Branch, has lamented that within Bauchi State and throughout the nation, girls continue to confront formidable challenges,
including forced marriage, gender-based violence, restricted access to secondary education, and glaring inadequacies in health and hygiene infrastructure.
FIDA, in a statement signed by Hauwa Ahmed Abubakar ESQ, Chairperson, made available to Journalists on Monday, stated that, “Every girl inherently deserves an environment where her rights are fiercely protected, her dignity is universally upheld, and her aspirations are championed by both the law and community action.”
FIDA Nigeria, Bauchi Branch, staunchly reiterated its unwavering commitment to advocating for the comprehensive implementation and strict enforcement of the Child Protection Law in Bauchi State, stressing that,”Theoretical legal protections must seamlessly translate into tangible safeguards within our schools, homes, and public spaces.”
“We earnestly call upon all stakeholders, community leaders, and government agencies to: Strengthen Legal Protections: Guarantee swift access to justice and robust legal support for young survivors of abuse, exploitation, and forced marriage,” It added.
FIDA also called for guarantee quality Education by Investing in secure, highly accessible educational environments, fully equipped with proper water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities,
ensuring that girls remain in school.
It further called for the Empowerment of Girl Leadership by Cultivation of dynamic platforms where young girls can be
effectively mentored, their voices amplified, and their perspectives integrated into the vital decisions that shape their futures.
It then stressed that, “Safeguarding the girl child transcends mere social obligation; it is the essential bedrock of
sustainable development and genuine social justice. FIDA Bauchi remains resolutely dedicated to wielding the instrument of the law to defend her rights, elevate her well-being, and secure a
brighter future.”
The Theme for the 2026 celebration is: “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being” which demonstrates global community celebrating the resilience, boundless potential, and powerful voices of girls everywhere.
FIDA concluded that, “Today serves not only as a celebration of our collective progress but also as an urgent call to action to dismantle the systemic barriers that continually hinder young girls from realizing their fullest potential.”
