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The International Day of the Girl Child is observed each year on October 11, as a global event initiated by the United Nations in 2012. This day serves to draw attention to the distinct challenges and injustices that girls encounter worldwide while emphasizing the necessity of empowering girls and advocating for their rights across all areas of society. The observance seeks to mobilize worldwide awareness regarding issues related to gender inequality, educational access, and the significance of enabling every girl to achieve her full potential. The overarching objective being to create safe spaces for girls to express themselves and to highlight their vital role in shaping the future.
The Nigeria Police Force recognizes the importance of this celebration and the necessity of raising this awareness, as this aligns with the goals of the Inspector-General of Police and the Force in developing several initiatives aimed at safeguarding the girl child and addressing gender-based violence. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD., NPM., has made public commitments to enforcing innovative gender policies and ensuring that female rights are prioritized within the Nigeria Police Force.
As part of the sterling initiatives of his administration, the IGP has emphasized the need for a robust legal framework and the enforcement of laws protecting the girl child. This includes the unveiling of a new Force Gender Policy at the opening ceremony of the 2024 International Association of Women Police (IAWP) African Regional Training Conference, on the 2nd of July 2024. Under the leadership of IGP Egebtokun, the Nigeria Police Force has also collaborated with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), several local NGOs, women’s rights groups, and community leaders to address the unique needs of the girl child effectively. These initiatives are aimed at emplacing a modern police force that is gender-sensitive, gender-inclusive and consequently progressive.
The Nigeria Police Force has also carried out several public awareness campaigns aimed at educating communities about the importance of protecting young girls and has led various initiatives designed to empower communities to report gender-based violence and provide safe environments for girls. The Nigeria Police is committed to ongoing training for its officers in effective approaches to managing gender-related issues, ensuring they remain informed about internationally recognized best practices.
It is worthy to note that every Police Commands and Formations have established dedicated units tasked with the responsibility of investigating crimes against children and women, including sexual abuse and trafficking. This Unit, known as the Juvenile and Women Centre (JWC), consist of trained personnel who have prerequisite knowledge of gender-related offenses and their sensitive nature.
The International Day of the Girl Child serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality. The Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its commitment to the protection of girls’ rights and continues to make significant efforts to protect and empower young girls to ensure that the girl child can grow in a safe environment, free from violence and exploitation.
The Inspector-General of Police calls for improved collaboration between the police, other security agencies, relevant stakeholders, and policy makers as a viable mechanism for creating an atmosphere where every girl can thrive and contribute to society positively.
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