As we commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child, Speak Out Africa Initiative (SOAI) stands united with the global community in recognizing the rights, leadership, aspirations, and well-being of girls around the world. This year's theme, "Invest in Girl's Rights: Our Leadership, Our Wellbeing," resounds deeply with our mission and commitment to promoting inclusive development through transparency, accountability, and inclusive participation in efforts to strengthen democracy, enhance good governance, and improve public service delivery.

Girls represent the hope and potential of our shared future, their well-being is inextricably linked to the principles of inclusion, human rights, justice, accountability, institutional reforms, and good governance. Yet, despite remarkable progress, they continue to face numerous challenges that hinder their full potential and well-being. Girls often encounter barriers to quality education, efficient healthcare and services, and opportunities to lead and thrive, including the critical issue of stigma and insecurity.

Speak Out Africa Initiative has long recognized that promoting Girls’ Rights is essential to their leadership and overall well-being. We understand that the aspirations, ambitions, and dreams of every girl should not be stifled by societal norms, therefore, we continue to uphold our long-standing commitment to supporting girls' rights, empowerment, and access to quality education e.g Our Skool and Skill 4 Naija project integrating digital skills and drug abuse prevention into secondary education curriculum, health services, and security, as outlined in the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

On this International Day of the Girl Child, we call for collective action/efforts to invest in girls' rights, including their aspirations and safety. We must remove the barriers that prevent girls from thriving and accessing the support they need, and eliminate every social and/or period stigma. By doing so, we empower girls to be leaders, decision-makers, and agents of positive change in their families cum communities.

Speak Out Africa Initiative stands firmly in support of the Girl Child, advocating for their rights and well-being. Together, we can build a world where girls' leadership is celebrated, their voices are heard, and every stigma is eliminated. On this day, we recommit ourselves to ensuring that the potential of the girl child is unlocked, their leadership is recognized, and their well-being is prioritized.

You can download this public statement.