”GIRLS CAN DO ANYTHING”

Dating back to the 19th century, women faced various violations of their rights including restricted access to education, limited employment opportunities, and societal expectations that confined them to traditional gender roles. Women did not have the right to own properties or engage in any electoral process. Little girls were raised to become women with the sole purpose of finding a husband for security, as a woman could not exist in society without the backing of a man. Despite the noise of society, a few women fought through and through to see women’s rights recognized and established.

In the 20th century, the feminist movement played a crucial role in advocating for women’s rights, this was achieved by challenging the societal norms and addressing various issues. Through the suffrage movement, feminists were able to fight for the right of women to vote in several countries around the world. This movement also challenged the gender wage gap promoting equal pay for the same work done.

The feminist movement also covered unfavourable family and reproductive laws on women by fighting for legal reform and by breaking down barriers to education and employment; they promoted better opportunities for women. Although these rights have been adopted by countries around the world, developing countries like Nigeria and a greater part of Africa, have not completely executed these rights as we still experience the trafficking of young girls and early marriages in the northern part of the country, women are being discouraged from occupying certain political positions.

Although an appreciable progress has been made, there are still challenges encountered by women all over the world and there is still ongoing work to address these issues and ensure full gender equality. The United Nations through the sustainable development goals and other organisations have put steps and programs in place to create more awareness and advocate for women’s rights.

While there has been so much focus on having these laws on paper, Midas Heart Foundation, a Non-governmental organisation in Nigeria where I serve as the Project Lead; has over the years focused on taking a practical approach to preparing young girls to become an indispensable part of society through educational, vocational opportunities and mentorship. This approach has helped impact positively the lives of several young girls and built them into strong and independent women capable of standing up for their rights and performing their duties as members of society.

We will keep on reaching out to young women to make them understand that they have a choice to make in shaping their future; teaching and mentoring them to a become self-sufficient societal pillar.
Standing on the pedestal that has been built by women before us, it is our responsibility to take it further so that those after us can achieve their full potential. From the heart of Delta State to all parts of Nigeria, enriching the lives of these young girls for the King that truly deserve them is our dream. We believe that Every Girl can do absolutely anything.