As the world celebrates the 2023 International Girls’ Day, Initiative for Social Impact and Sustainable Development has called on the government and stakeholders to invest in leadership rights and remove every barrier to digital literacy for girls to be able to compete favourably in the technology age.

Speaking on this year’s theme, “Invest in Girls Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being,” ISISD Coordinator, Funmi Falobi said that girls cannot be left behind in the era of leadership and technology innovation if we want gender equality to thrive.
” No doubt the world now evolves around technology and it is important our girls are not left behind in this innovative drive to thrive and fulfil their potential.
We must invest in leadership rights for girls and they must be encouraged to take up leadership roles early in life which will boost societal well being.
“Although we have reached a point that we recognise this day as International Girls’ Day, much still needs to be done to improve lives for girls”, she added.

She noted that digital literacy will enable girls to use digital platforms and resources to find, evaluate, and obtain information which would help students become lifelong learners and help to engage them in the process of acquiring academic skills as well as stay connected and be informed about the things that are revolving around society.

“Digital literacy enhances both formal and informal learning, and it is of great importance that young girls are capacitated with digital literacy information so that they are empowered and their confidence and self-esteemed is boosted in decision-making, and healthy-conscious living, among others.”

Falobi however noted that as good as technology is to the good of all, there are some challenges with it, which may be inimical to the growth and development of the girl child.
“Investing in the rights of girls helps to boost their leadership skills and their well-being. While technology brings an open window for development of potential of the girl child, care should be taken to guide the girl child from being a victim of manipulated tendencies through online gender-based violence”, Falobi warned.

International Day of the Girl Child is an annual and internationally recognised observance on October 11 that empowers girls and amplifies their voices. Like its adult version, International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8, International Day of the Girl Child acknowledges the importance, power, and potential of adolescent girls by encouraging the opening up of more opportunities for them. At the same time, this day is designated to eliminate gender-based challenges that little girls face around the world, including child marriages, poor learning opportunities, violence, and discrimination.