The call for gender equality and the protection of the girl-child echoed across the streets of Asaba, recently, as activists, students, and community members joined a spirited road walk to commemorate the International Day of the Girl-Child.
The event was jointly organized by the Civil Rights Council (CRC), Asaba, and the Coalition of Delta State Civil Society Organizations (CODECSO), under the inspiring theme: “The Girl I Am,The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crises.”
Leading the march were two prominent voices in Delta State’s civil society landscape — Dr. Martins Kedienhon, President of CODECSO, and Comrade Joy Edigbine, widely known as “Small Pepper,” who serves as both the Public Relations Officer of CODECSO and the Coordinator of CRC in Asaba.
According to Edigbine, the 2025 theme shed light on the persistent challenges facing girls globally, from educational inequality and gender-based violence to marginalization and the effects of climate change.
“Our cry is to see the girl-child for who she truly is, to listen to her voice and recognize her limitless potential,”
Comrade Edigbine stated during the rally.
She stressed that every girl has a right to safety, education, and good health emphasizing must be supported not only in her formative years but throughout her journey into womanhood.
Edigbine noted that girls were already taking leadership roles in addressing social and environmental crises, tackling inequality, demanding climate justice, and envisioning a fairer world.
In solidarity with this emerging generation of female leaders, the organizations issued a strong call to action, urging the government and society to adopt a multi-dimensional approach to empowering girls.
The groups advocacy focused on skills training and entrepreneurship opportunities, equal access to quality education, human rights and climate change awareness campaigns, and crisis leadership and mental health support
Comrade Edigbine highlighted that these initiatives were part of the preparation of girls for leadership and decision-making roles in the future.
She further urged both state and federal governments to create dedicated funding and programs that will address the unique needs of girls, particularly those in crisis situations.
Such programs, she noted, should include access to healthcare, psychological support, and assistance for adolescent mothers.
“Girls are builders. When we support and invest in them, we are not just empowering individuals — we are building a more equal, just, and hopeful society for everyone”, she concluded.
