13/10/2025
*AWLA Rivers Celebrates International Day of the Girl Child in Conjunction with Rotary Club of Port Harcourt West on Saturday, October 11, 2025*
The African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) Nigeria, Rivers State Branch, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt West, celebrated the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11, 2025, at Abuja Water Front off Creek Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
This year's theme was "The Girl I am, The Change I Lead: Girls on The Frontlines of Crisis," while the local event theme was "Pad-A-Girl."
The International Day of the Girl Child, observed annually on October 11, aims to celebrate the girl child, promote her empowerment and rights, and highlight global challenges such as lack of access to education, early/child marriage, sexual and reproductive health care, economic opportunities, violence, exploitation, and health disparities. The day seeks to amplify girls' voices, promote gender equality, and support their development and well-being.
The AWLA Rivers State Coordinator, Gloria Anuri Ohia Amb P. MCIArb (UK) FICMC, alongside the South-South Coordinator, Oghenero Emu Esq, AICMC, led AWLANs to the event. This year's celebration was exceptional, taking place in a slum where many girl children reside. The distribution of sanitary pads to the girls elicited emotional reactions, as many had never used such products before, relying instead on pieces of clothes, torn wrappers, and tissue papers.
AWLANs and Rotarians present emphasized the need for the girl child to have an equal voice, participate in decision-making, and lead change. The girls were encouraged to speak out and report any concerns. The event was well-attended and successfully executed.
Dr.Endurance E-Chinda,
Public Relations Officer,
AWLA Rivers