The UN deputy secretary-general, Amina Mohammed, on Friday, called for investment in girls’ education and health, not as a favour but a human right to sustainable development.

Ms Mohammed said this during the commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child for 2024.

The theme for the International Day of the Girl Child 2024 is: “Girls’ Vision for the Future.”

Ms Mohammed acknowledged that across the globe, girls were showing remarkable optimism and leadership.

According to her, girls are at the forefront of movements combating climate change, advocating for justice, innovating in technology, and challenging limiting stereotypes.

“They are showing us they are ready to lead, and they ask us to stand with them. We must all stand with all girls everywhere.”

She, however, said in spite their achievements, girls still faced immense barriers with many being subjected to early marriage and teenage pregnancies.

This, she said, cuts their education short and crushes their dreams.

On her part, millions of girls face stigma and barriers affecting their health and school attendance.

“We must listen to girls, amplify their voices and create spaces for meaningful participation because there is no future without them and their vision for the future.

“Let us pledge to turn their visions into reality. Investing in girls means investing in hope, in healthier societies and in a future that benefits us all. When girls thrive, communities prosper,” she said.

She emphasised that girls’ basic needs were too often neglected, adding that worldwide, only two out of five schools provided menstrual health education and less than one in three had adequate facilities.

According to Ms Mohammed, globally, almost twice as many adolescent girls as boys are not in any form of education, employment or training.

These numbers, she said, represented millions of stories of unrealised potential and unfulfilled dreams

“To the fierce advocates and activists, keep claiming your rightful place in every arena and occupy it unapologetically. Your leadership is transforming the world, and your vision is one we all need.

“Let’s keep pushing boundaries, keep amplifying the voices of sisters everywhere, especially those in conflict zones from Sudan to Ukraine to Gaza to Lebanon,” she said.

(NAN)