By Johnstone Kpilaaka
The news: Toyin Wiggins Centre for Leadership and Mentoring Initiative (TWCLMI) on Wednesday held a “tea date” in Jos, to commemorate the 2023 International Day of the Girl Child.
The closed event had over 20 participants, including students, women leaders in various sectors; and their male counterparts.
Why it matters: Toyin Wiggins, the executive director of TWCLMI, on the backdrop of “change begins with me” words, advised participants to be agents of change in the society, especially issues related to gender inequality. “Be a voice for girls and women in everywhere that you find yourself,” Wiggins said.
The keynote speaker, Deborah Adenikinju, who is a the founder of Mental Health KAFE, spoke at the intersection of the mental health day which was commemorated on Tuesday and the girl child.
She said that girls should hold unto their voice and always been bold to speak out on issues that affect them.
Zoom in: Other speakers at the event spoke on the day as it relates to family, leadership technology, career and mental health.
An entrepreneur, David Walsh said that the family plays a key role in the society therefore “the fathers should step up in how they address issues relating to the girl child,” he added.
Speaking on the underrepresentation of women and girls in the technology sector, Timbyen Daser, the Initiator of Yenbyen Fellowship said that “Technology is evolving how we interact with the world and it’s important for the girl child to get involved, especially for the future of work.”
Two years, I started the Yenbyen fellowship as an opportunity to empower young girls in our communities. We have worked with over 100 years in the Jos Bukuru metropolis and we are looking forward to work with young girls from rural communities in the coming weeks, Ms Daser added.
Ms Daser
Know more: Other highlights of the event include musical and poetry performances by Philip Dobson and Envoi.