Women Affairs Minister, Pauline Tallen Decries Rising Cases Of Rape Of The Girl-child By Their Fathers
Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, has decried the increasing cases of rape and other forms of violence against the girl-child by their fathers and other members of the society.
The Minister recently spoke at the State of the Nigerian Girls Summit with the theme: “Our time is now – Our Rights, Our Future”.
The summit was held at the National Centre for Women Development, Abuja, in commemoration of the 2022 International Day of the Girl-Child (IDGC).
The international day of the girl child is celebrated annually on October 11.
Speaking at the event, the minister expressed concern over the increased level of rape and violence against girls in the country, adding that there should be improved efforts to ensure protection of girls.
She said:
“Some of these girls are dying in silence and we must do everything possible to identify and address some of these problems by getting closer to them.
“We receive in the ministry on a daily basis, and I am sure commissioners can testify at the state level, cases where fathers rape their daughters.
“It is very sad, it is an abomination. It is unacceptable. But in case it happens, please, girls, speak out more.”
Tallen added that the ministry has commenced a sensitisation campaign on school enrollment of adolescent girls to senior secondary level.
She added that the Child Rights Act and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act have been inaugurated to eliminate cases of child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM) in the country.
The minister encouraged survivors of any form of violence to always speak out to ensure that justice is served and the perpetrators prosecuted.