From Esther Akaa, Lafia
The Nasarawa State Commissioner, Ministry for Special Duties, Legal Matters and Youths Development, Barr Hannatu Bala Abimiku has advocated free education for the girl-child, in order to address issues of gender inequality.
Abimiku, who is the youngest commissioner in the state made the advocacy when she played host to a gender based association, Brave Ladies Initiative, on Wednesday in Lafia.
The commissioner noted that women were facing multiple barriers and gender-based discrimination that limits their performance in the society.
According to her, the only way to solve the issues of gender inequality was through education which she said should be free to motivate parents to send their children, especially the girl-child to school.
“Education can enable a girl-child break out of cultural and religious barriers that hinder her from becoming successful in the society. Some of us were privileged to go to school because our parents could afford it but some parents cannot afford the cost of educating their wards, especially the girl-child, hence the need to make education free for the girl-child.
“We have to reach out to our fellow women, who do not have the opportunity to go to school. This is because women vote massively during elections but only few are a elected into key positions in government.
“We need to educate and sensitise our girls on the need for them to acquire education so that they can aspire to go for elective positions. Even though a lot of women are appointed to hold positions in government, it is not enough,” she said.
The commissioner, therefore, promised to partner the organisation to sensitising young girls on need to remain in school, as well as learn basic hygiene, especially menstrual hygiene for their personal benefits and society at large.
She called on the people of the state to support the re-election bid of the Governor Abdullahi Sule to enable him provide more dividends of democracy to the people.
Earlier, Leader of the group, Patience Jacob, said the aim of the visit was to familiarise with the commissioner and inform her of the programmes and activities of the group.
Jacob explained that the group carries out awareness and sensitisation campaigns on the need for parents to educate their girl children on best societal practices for the benefit of womanhood.
“We also engage in humanitarian activities where we go to communities to distribute sanitary pads to young girls in both primary and secondary schools.
“We are planning a programme to educate young girls in schools and rural communities on how to take care of themselves, especially during menstruation.
“The organisation will also visit schools and communities to sensitise the girls on the need for them to be brave amidst the numerous challenges that limit them in the society, so they can become good mothers in the future,” she said.
She, therefore, appealed for support from the state government and other spirited individuals to enable the organisation carry out their activities.
The Voice reports that Brave Ladies Initiative is an organisation aimed at empowering young girls and women to know their rights in the society.