For the last school visit commemorating the 2022 International Day of the Girl Child with the theme ‘Our Rights, Out Future’, the Anneozeng Ogozi Aid Foundations (AOAF) visited the girls at the School for the Deaf, Kuje Abuja.

Many societal challenges affect the girl child from harnessing her potentials ranging from Sexual and gender based violence, gender inequality, harmful practices, poverty, early and unintended pregnancy, early marriage, poor knowledge of menstrual hygiene management etc. The situation is worse for girls with disability, especially deaf girls who depend on a sign language to communicate thoughts and experiences. AOAF is mindful of inclusion and ensures all girls are carried out in sensitisation efforts to build girls agency to make informed decisions daily to lead quality lives.

Girls around the world continue to face unprecedented challenges to their education, their physical and mental wellness, and the protections needed for a life without violence. Girls are ready for a decade of acceleration forward. It is time for us all to stand accountable with and for girls and to invest in a future that believes in their agency, leadership and potential.

At the session, AOAF sensitised the girls on understanding girls rights, self care, identifying the forms of abuse, effective reporting mechanisms available to the girls, identifying trusted adults and decision making and consequences. The team responded to the girls questions and promised to be back soon.