Like a flower, she was
designed to beautify…Like a star, she is meant to shine…Like a bird, she is
built to soar…Like a pillar, she supports…She loves selflessly, cares truly,
listens with her soul, spreads joy wherever she goes…She is called GIRL!
Today we celebrate these
beautiful creatures in our lives. As sisters, daughters, friends, we have all
experienced their magic!
This article addresses some
major issues affecting the Girl Child.
1. CHILD NOT
BRIDE
The issue of
child marriage is one that has often been deliberated on. Why then has it been
a reoccurring decimal? A possible reason is the misguided mentality that
females are born to wash, clean, cook and make babies. The negative effects of
child marriage are numerous, but we will mention just a few:
i.
Killed Dreams
ii.
Health Problems
such as Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF), which usually results from early
childbirth
iii.
Poor Parenting: A
typical case of ‘babies making babies.’ What does a child, who is just
beginning to discover herself, have to offer a new life? Nothing but ignorance
and resentment. Surely, an innocent child deserves better.
The above are some of the
ripple effects of child marriage. To
all perpetrators and supporters of this practice, we appeal: Let the child be a
child! Give her the chance to develop into a well-rounded out adult.
1.
CHILD MOLESTATION
This trend
of pedophile activities has become really worrisome. Although children of both
genders could be victims, studies have shown that females are more susceptible.
A research conducted by www.rainn.org
reveals that 82% of all juvenile victims of sexual abuse are female. This act
is abominable to say the least.
Unfortunately,
not all offenders are brought to book. Infact, a study conducted by the www.nsopw.gov/education/facts/statistics
shows that approximately 30% of sexual assault cases are reported to the
authorities. What becomes of the 70% unreported cases? This is disheartening.
Many victims of molestation are too scared to say a word about it…scared of
reaction of people, scared it may occur again and scared of being stigmatized.
There exists a need for sensitization that victims of sexual abuse, juvenile or
adult, did not bring it upon themselves. Stigmatization and discrimination
against them must stop! Abusers must be brought to book; they need to
understand that there is really little difference between sexual abuse and
murder, one destroys a life physically, and the other does so emotionally and
psychologically. Long after the physical effects wear out, the other damages
remain.
Some
victims are rendered incapable of establishing normal adult relationships. A
tragedy indeed! Child Molestation is a sin against humanity and God.
EMPOWER, EDUCATE, ENCOURAGE!
There
is no limit to what a person can accomplish, given the right circumstances. The
Girl Child has been said to have some sort of ‘sixth sense’, a multiplying
effect. Whatever you give her, she makes bigger and better. Surely, they
deserve all the care and encouragement they can get. Help her reach her full
potential.
Give that
girl equal opportunities as you would the male child. Empower her to succeed;
invest in her education; nurture her and watch her blossom into the beautiful
flower she was created to be. Love, guide and protect her. You will be amazed
at what blessings she brings back to you.
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