By Prosper Mene
The Women in Total Girl Development (WIT-GIRL) NGO has charged parents, educators, government officials, and corporate leaders to prioritize investments in the holistic development of the girl child.
Speaking at a high-stakes event in Akwa Ibom State’s capital, the organization highlighted how empowering girls through education and emotional support isn’t just a moral imperative, it’s a strategic necessity for Nigeria’s national progress.
The event, themed “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis,” drew a diverse coalition of stakeholders, including local influencers, policymakers, and youth advocates. It comes as recent reports from UNICEF and the World Bank underscore Nigeria’s persistent gender gaps: over 13 million children are out of school, with girls disproportionately affected due to poverty, early marriage, and discriminatory policies.
In the North, for instance, only 21% of girls complete secondary education, perpetuating cycles of inequality that hinder economic growth.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Valerie Asanwana, a renowned gender equity expert and WIT-GIRL ambassador, painted a vivid picture of untapped potential. “The girl child is not a burden, but a builder. The boy child is not a rival but a partner,” she declared, urging the audience to dismantle outdated narratives. “Support your daughters emotionally, academically, and career-wise. Investing in their education is a secure future for your family and the nation. We must create equal opportunities for both genders, or risk leaving half our population behind.”
Prof. Asanwana’s words resonated deeply in a country where gender-based policies continue to sideline women from leadership roles.
She decried the underrepresentation of women in Nigeria’s political and corporate spheres. Women hold just 4% of seats in the National Assembly, calling for immediate reforms. “Unfavorable policies against women in leadership are not just injustices; they are economic sabotage,” she added, citing studies showing that gender-inclusive policies could boost Nigeria’s GDP by up to 30%.
WIT-GIRL which was founded in 2018 to bridge educational divides in underserved communities, has already impacted over 5,000 girls through scholarships, mentorship programs, and advocacy workshops. The NGO’s flagship initiative, the “Girl Leaders Academy,” equips young women with skills in STEM, public speaking, and entrepreneurship, fostering resilience amid crises like economic downturns and climate challenges.
Event participants shared testimonials: One beneficiary, 16-year-old Chioma from a rural Uyo village, credited the program with derailing her family’s plans for early marriage. “WIT-GIRL showed me I’m the change I lead,” she said, now eyeing a career in environmental engineering.
The gathering wasn’t without controversy. Some traditional leaders present pushed back against rapid cultural shifts, arguing for “balanced” investments that include boys. However, a panel of experts, including representatives from the Ministry of Women Affairs, countered with data: For every dollar invested in girls’ education, societies see returns of up to $10 in health, productivity, and reduced poverty rates.
WIT-GIRL Executive Director, Mrs. Ekaette Udoh, issued a direct challenge: “Stakeholders, this is your moment. Donate to scholarships, advocate for policy changes, and mentor a girl today.
