Empowering girl child a collective responsibility – DPM

THE deputy prime minister’s office yesterday joined the global community in commemorating the International Day of the Girl Child.

The office called on governments and communities to build systems that protect, uplift, and empower every girl in Eswatini.
Commemorated under the theme ‘The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis’, Acting Deputy Prime Minister Jane Mkhonta-Simelane emphasised in the vital role girls play in tackling global challenges.

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“Today, we join the global community in commemorating the International Day of the Girl Child, a day dedicated to amplifying the voices of girls, celebrating their potential, and renewing our commitment to protecting and empowering them. “The Kingdom of Eswatini has made significant strides in advancing the rights and welfare of the girl child.

Some notable achievements include implementing the Re-Integration Policy to ensure girls’ retention in school, promoting universal access to education, and providing sexual and reproductive health services,” she said. The acting DPM said despite these efforts, challenges persist, which include violence among women and girls, climate change impacts, and digital exploitation, which threaten girls’ safety and self-esteem.
She further urged collective action to address these issues, calling on parents, educators, community leaders, and partners to work together to build systems that protect and empower girls.

Some key actions proposed include parents and guardians nurturing and protecting their daughters, schools creating safe and inclusive environments, community leaders discouraging harmful practices and promoting girls’ rights, partners collaborating and investing in programmes that transform girls’ lives. She further expressed gratitude to development partners, including UNFPA, UNICEF, UNESCO, the EU, and civil society organisations for their support in advancing the girl child agenda.

“As the country continues to work towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal Five on gender equality, the commitment to empowering girls remains crucial. “By working together, we can ensure that every girl in Eswatini grows up empowered, educated, and equipped to lead.

“As we commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child, let us commit to building a nation where every girl can say with pride: ‘The girl I am, the change I lead.’ Let us work together to create a brighter future for all girls in the country,” the acting DPM said.

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