The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the rights of girls as the group encourage them through the provision of support that will empower them to deal with societal issues.
IRC Liberia Country Director Faith A. Cooper said the organization believes that focusing on the girl child helps girls make healthy life choices and minimizes incidences of gender-based violence, including sexual exploitation and abuse.
Cooper made the statement Thursday at the Paynesville City Hall at program marking the celebration of the 7th International Day of the Girl Child.
The day was observed under the global theme: “With her: A Skilled Girl Force” and with the national theme: “Prepared Girls: Transformed Workforce.”
Cooper observed that the young generation is preparing to enter the labor force, but indicated that a large percent of girls are neither employed nor have the skills, education or basic training to enter the workforce.
She pointed out that some of the IRC girl-focused programmes take place in safe spaces which enable girls to share their thoughts and feelings.
Cooper added that the aim of the programs organized by the IRC is to ensure that girls realize their own power and potential to play key roles in their communities, to sustain peace and help lead Liberia into the future.
“The time has come for us to shift the conversation from future to the present. If we do not address human rights violations and other violence against girls, a large percentage of our young women will not make it to the future,” she said.
The IRC official emphasized that women have the moral responsibility to do more, but it will take the commitment of strong communities in which women, men, girls and boys all play key complementary roles.
On December 19, 2011, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170 declaring October 11 each year as the International Day of the Girl Child in recognition of girls rights and unique challenges they face around the world.
LINA
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