11 October - “Digital generation. Our generation.”
This year's celebrations included a talk by the president of COEDEM (madam Beatrice Atanga) who took time to explain to all the participants the reason behind the creation of the International Day of the Girl child, and why it should be celebrated.
The day officially began with an introduction of what COEDEM is. This was followed by the pronouncement of this year's theme. Captions were prepared with key words as "when a Girl-child is educated, the community, nations and the world is educated" and “we are today, we have the right, we have the future”.
A presentation was done on the importance of the day and why it is celebrated.
In her talk to the girls present, the President of COEDEM explained that the day was created ten(10) years ago in order to recognize the challenges that girls face and commit to expanding opportunity and equality for them in every part of the world. She went further to say that the day focuses on the need to address the challenges girls face and promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfillment of their rights.
She then told the participants that one of the reasons for the creation of COEDEM is to add her voice to advocate for better living conditions for the girls especially in rural areas, contribute to their empowerment through, education, vocational training so that they can become responsible and fully participant in the socio-economic and political development of their communities, their nation and the world at large.
One of our trained volunteers of the organization took time to explain the values of the girl-child to the participants. She said a girl child needs to be monitored and taught the proper values that will improve her self worth. A girl child needs to be provided for, cherished and loved. A girl child needs to be affirmed repeatedly that she is priceless. Parents, care-givers, governments and the society at large owe her these.
The children were also taught on how to protect themselves from rape like making their parents teach them about their bodies, feel free to ask their parents or teachers any question that they are in doubt, avoid unsafe environment, avoid staying alone, avoid hugs or kisses even from family members and report any cases that they suspect is not good, stay focus on their education etc.
An interactive talk on the theme: digital generation. Our generation was done in relation to the Girl-child. Who is a girl-child? Why should a girl-child be digitalized? What are the risks involved and what are the advantages?.
Every participant contributed in the discussion, some shared their positive experiences as people of our generation. Again, every Girl-child present shared the challenges they face as girl children in the society: some were, sexual harassment, virginity preservation, puberty excitement, self esteem, gender inequality, freedom of speech. These issues are now even more pertinent in the advent of the digital age.
COEDEMians collectively provided possible solutions to these challenges with effect to practical life situations.
Other Practical Training
The youth leader of COEDEM trained the girls on how to prepare yoghurt and the president carried out another on banana cake to the satisfaction of all present.
The girls were advised to be smart and active e.g to learn how to carry out descent income generating activities
Some of the girls heartily expressed their satisfaction. They promised to be determined, successful in what they do, wish for more training sessions
