Statement by UNICEF The Gambia Representative, Ms. Nafisa Binte Shafique
Banjul, 11th October, 2024 – “Today, we join communities around the world in celebrating International Day of the Girl. This day, observed on October 11th, is dedicated to advocating for girls’ rights and addressing the unique challenges they face.
“This year’s theme, “Girls’ Vision for the Future” highlights the urgent need for action to ensure that every girl can achieve her full potential. The Gambia has made significant strides in its investment in equal rights and opportunities, particularly in education and gender equality.
“Girls’ enrolment in school has improved and year after year, girls keep strengthening their attainments. Just this year, 791 girls scored 5 credits and above, including English and Mathematics in the 2024 WASSCE results. Bravo!
“Additionally, the decline in child marriage in the past ten years in some parts of the country, and the recent success in preventing the proposed repeal of the law banning FGM, sends a signal of hope for the protection of girls from all forms of abuse and violence. Girls are repositioning themselves as leaders and beacons of hope for their communities. Today more than ever, we must come together to build on these milestones.
“Despite the progress made, unfortunately, 1 in 4 young women in The Gambia were married before the age of 18, 50% girls below the age of 15 undergo FGM and many more continue to be denied their basic rights to education, health, nutrition, hygiene, and protection. Too often, they face discrimination, violence, and unequal opportunities simply because they are girls.
“Girls with disabilities face compounded discrimination due to both their gender and disability, leading to exclusion from essential services, increased vulnerability to violence and limited participation in decision making. This intersectional discrimination hinders their potential and requires targeted interventions to ensure we leave no girl behind.
“UNICEF and the entire UN family remain committed to working with the Government of The Gambia and all partners to ensure the protection of girls and the safeguarding of their rights, as enshrined in the UNCRC, CEDAW and UNCRPD and domesticated through different national laws.
“As we reflect on the challenges girls face, let us commit to be part of the solution. We encourage everyone to advocate for policies and services that support girls’ education, health, and empowerment. Let us build the capacity of every duty bearer including parents, teachers, religious leaders, service providers and others to ensure an enabling and protective environment for the girls, where they can thrive.
“This guarantees the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Green, Recovery-focused National Development Plan 2023-2027 of The Gambia.
“On this day and beyond, as girls tells us about their vision for the future, we must listen and we must all work together to provide a safe space for girls to thrive in all sectors including in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, without the fear of discrimination, unfair wages, cyber bullying, abuse and exploitation. The time to invest in their future is now! Let us be inspired by the strength and the resilience of girls around the world who are breaking barriers and driving change.
“According to the recent Census there are more than 300 thousand Adolescent girls in the Gambia. Imagine each of them as bright stars with full of potentials and possibilities, if we can ensure 300 thousand lights are shining to the fullest, the Gambia will outshine in the region and in the world. Let us all nurture the 300 thousand plus lights and invest on them, the incredible outcome is guaranteed!”
