On an occasion that was highly attended by senior government officials, UN and None UN agencies, Abyei Special Administrative Area marks the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child.
Abyei- Friday, 11th October, 2024, the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and UN police and other Humanitarian organisations including UN agencies celebrated the Girl Child Day, under the theme ” Girl’s Vision for the Future”.
The occasion was attended by the Acting Chief Administrator and Deputy Hon. Deng Arop Mading, Chief JBVMM and OIC Force Commander and Acting Head of Mission, Minister of Peace Buidling, Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports, Paramount Chief and Deputy Town Mayor.
Addressing the gathering, the Acting Chief Administrator and Deputy Hon. Deng Arop Mading, recognized and acknowledged the strength, potential, and achievements of girls all over the world. He calls for the importance of creating an environment where every girl can flourish, where every dream is nurtured, and where every girl is empowered to become a leader, an innovator, and an agent of change in the community.
The Acting Chief Administrator and Deputy called for unhindered commitment in girl’s future by educating girls, providing them with opportunities and ensuring their safety which is the future foundations of progress for any society.
Hon. Deng Arop Mading, the Acting Chief Administrator and Deputy calls for doubling of more efforts towards supporting girls’ education, empowering girls to lead, ending gender-based violence and promoting equal opportunities.
Additionally, the Acting Chief Administrator emphasized on remembering that empowering girls is not just the responsibility of women—it is a shared mission for all of us. Men, fathers, brothers, and boys all have a role to play in creating a world where girls are valued and supported.
Hon. Deng Arop Mading, the Acting Chief Administrator and Deputy concluded his remarks by saying; let us be inspired by the limitless potential of every girl, together, we can break down barriers, open doors and create a future where girls everywhere can achieve their dreams. He wished every girl a Happy International Day of the Girl Child.
In his keynote address, the Minister of Education and Instructions and Acting Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, Hon. Nyinkwany Aguer Bol, advocated for a vision where every girl has the right to dream and receive equal support to achieve those dreams.
The Minister noted the essential creation of an environment where girls can learn freely, express their ideas, and lead with confidence, as he reaffirmed the importance of Education as a powerful tool that transforms lives and fuels progress. He urged young girls to never underestimate the power of their dreams. He said and of quote “Your vision for the future matters, whether you aspire to be a scientist, an artist, a leader in business, or a champion for social justice, your aspirations are valid and achievable” . He added; “the world needs your voice, your creativity, and your vision, stand tall, dream daringly, and let your ambitions guide you”.
Minister Nyinkwany appealed to parents and caregivers to support, encourage their daughters to pursue their interests, embrace challenges and never shy away from leadership opportunities. He said; ” Let them know that their worth is not defined by societal expectations, but by their capabilities and passions.
The Minister further calls upon them to Foster an environment of empowerment, resilience, and determination, where they feel safe to take risks and pursue their dreams, he urged educators to hold the power of igniting the spark of potential within each girl, in order to foster classrooms that encourage collaboration, respect, and creativity.
Hon. Nyinkwany, additionally reminded Students not just to learn from textbooks, but to engage with the world around them, challenge the status quo, and lead with empathy and ethical responsibility.
The Hon. Minister appealed to the community leaders and policymakers to commit themselves and invest in girls’ education and break the barriers that hold them back, by doing so, this would mean implementing policies that promote gender equality, ensuring safe spaces for girls to learn and grow, and providing resources that nurture their talents and together, people can shift paradigms and lay the groundwork for a society where every girl can shine.
Minister Nyinkwany called for championing the rights of girls, by saying ” let us remember that it is not just a matter of gender equality; it is a matter of economic development, social progress, and global stability”.
Additionally, the Minister emphasized on the needs for unity of purpose in order to support girls in realizing their visions for the future by advocating for their education, their dreams, and their rightful place. He said and of quote; ” Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive, and prosperous nation for everyone.
In conclusion, Minister Nyinkwany, wished all girls a happy International Day of the Girl Child.
After the celebration, the Acting Chief Administrator and Deputy, Chief JBVMM, OIC for FC and Acting Head of Mission- UNISFA, Minister of General Education and Instruction and UN OIC police and Paramount Chief planted a tree to mark the end of the celebration of International Day of the Girl Child.
Copyright : ©Abyei Special Administrative Area- Press Unit, October, 2024.