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Kano, Nigeria; Nigeria’s nearly 40 million girls are part of the national generation set to change the future of the country. However there are several discriminations carried against girl children on a daily basis. Recently, Intel Corporation partnered with Girl Rising Nigeria as part of activities to mark the International Day of the Girl Child at the Film House Cinema, Ado Bayero Mall in Kano.

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This year’s theme of the International Day of the Girl Child is: “Girls’ Progress = Goals’ Progress: What Counts for Girls”. The ceremony was organized in the framework of encouraging girls to see education as a “MUST HAVE”  with a goal to highlight the role of technology and the Internet as essential tools needed for leveraging all aspects of human endeavor in the current competitive dispensation. The occasion brought together over 500 girls from schools across Kano, government officials, NGOs and partners working for the protection of child rights.

Convener of the event who doubles as the Country Manager of Girl Rising Nigeria, Maryam Tafida Bello, described the event as an avenue for girls in Kano and beyond to realize that they can achieve their dreams. She further encouraged people to bring meaningful change to Kano and the world by empowering girls through education. “There are over 5 million girls out of school in Nigeria and most of these girls are in the northern part of the country. We cannot sit back and watch, we must do something. We must take the baton to lead the fight in ensuring that all girls, all children are educated. That is why we are here today”, Maryam stated.

Speaking at the event, Corporate Affairs Manager, Intel Corporation, Babatunde Akinola mentioned how Intel is making efforts in several ways to encourage women and young girls to be technologically motivated, especially through the Company’s ‘She Will Connect’ initiative. He added, “Women do 60% of world’s work, produce 50% of food, and yet earn 10% of income and own only 1% asset”, Intel will continue to work with NGOs and other well-meaning organizations under the She Will Connect umbrella to enable, empower and connect girls and women to opportunities and consequently put an end to such gender gap”.

Speaking about the partnership with Girl Rising Nigeria, Babatunde Akinola reiterated Intel’s commitment to the development of the girl child. He stressed that the company elected to partner with Girl Rising to celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child to further demonstrate Intel’s commitment to helping the girl child realize her potentials and improve their opportunities for employment and income generation while embracing technology and the Internet.

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To drive home the message with storytelling, over 500 girls and young women including, government functionaries, NGO partners watched the Girl Rising video series ‘Da Bazar Mu’ which literally means ‘Dancing to Women’s Tune”. The key message of the video series was centered on encouraging and motivating the girl child to see education as a necessary step towards the accomplishment of their dreams. Representatives of the girls including two beneficiaries of Intel She will Connect initiative gave presentations to affirm their commitment to acquiring education and relevant technology skills that would ensure they achieve their dreams.

The International Day of the Girl Child Event echoes the need for more opportunities for girls, and increases awareness on the inequalities faced by girls worldwide.


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