As the world celebrates the International Day of the Girl Child, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) says involving the girl child in decision making processes in issues that affect her is key in breaking the cycle of discrimination and violence.

The Rivers State Chapter of NAWOJ, in a statement signed by its Chairperson, Susan Serekara-Nwikhana, and Secretary, Ngozi Anosike, acknowledged the importance, power and potentials of adolescent girls, calling for opening of more opportunities for girls in our society.

The association, in commemorating this year’s International Day of The Girl Child, described the true empowerment of the girl child as critical as that of the boys to economic growth.

NAWOJ further stressed the need to empower young ladies to become inspirited, free women of tomorrow   as well as  elimination of gender-based challenges that little girls face around the world especially child marriages, poor learning opportunities, violence, and discrimination.

The association, however, regrets that deeply entrenched issues and problematic mindsets, which were passed on for generations, have made gender-based discrimination and oppression threateningly common in every household.

It therefore enjoined government at all levels, traditional institutions and religious organizations to use this year’s International Day of the Girl Child celebration to focus on problems and challenges faced by girls.

NAWOJ noted that adolescence is a critical point in every girl’s life and because it determines the trajectory of their lives, caring for them benefits the society more so if they are empowered at a vulnerable age, they can mature into liberated, wise women of the future.