Lagos: The Center for the Advancement and Protection of the Rights of Vulnerable People (CAPRIGHTS-VP) has challenged the harmful notion that a girl’s education ends in the kitchen, urging students to reject the stereotype.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mrs Stella Ibekwe, an Official of CAPRIGHTS-VP, gave the charge at an event held in Lagos to mark the International Day of the Girl Child (IDGC) 2025. The celebration, which took place at Dom Grace Primary and Secondary Schools, Idimu, was guided by the global theme, ‘The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis,’ and featured learning sessions, drama, and interactive dialogue aimed at empowering the girls to lead change.
Ibekwe, delivering a keynote address, reminded the students that leadership must begin with self-awareness and confidence. She noted that empowering girls was crucial for national development, stating that ’empowering a girl can lead to economic growth, poverty reduction, and improved health outcomes.’ Ibekwe frowned at the belief restricting girls’ potential. ‘The assumption that the education of a girl child ends in the kitchen is a harmful stereotype that undermines the potential and aspirations of girls worldwide,’ she said, adding that this mindset restricted access to education and perpetuates outdated gender roles.
‘Girls are disproportionately affected by crises, including climate change, conflict, and pandemics. Investing in girls’ education and well-being can unlock their potential and contribute to a more equitable and prosperous future.’
Moderating an interactive Q and A session, Mrs Vivian Emesowum of CAPRIGHTS-VP addressed a student’s query on menstruation and pain, providing a detailed, health-focused explanation. She defined the process, stating: ‘Menstruation (also called a period) is something that happens to most girls as they grow up and their bodies begin to change into adults. Every month, your body gets ready for a possible baby by making a soft lining inside your womb. When no baby grows, that lining isn’t needed, so your body lets it go. It comes out of your body through your vagina as a small amount of blood and tissue – that’s your period. It’s a natural, healthy process and shows that your body is working just the way it should.’
Students at the event were also encouraged to share their personal reflections on being a girl. Favour Otu, an SS2 student, highlighted prevalent gender bias, saying, ‘A female child is often regarded as nothing because people believe she cannot continue her father’s lineage.’ Another student, Chinenye Ama, reiterated the need for opportunity: ‘Some people still think a girl’s education ends in the kitchen, but girls deserve a chance to prove themselves. We are the pathway to a better tomorrow.’
Bola Bola, reflecting on the day’s message of empowerment, captured the positive spirit of the celebration, noting, ‘I feel happy to be a girl because women give life – we are special beings.’ Ngozi Mirian Arinze, a Barrister, also of CAPRIGHTS-VP, concluded the rights session, educating the girls on child rights and reinforcing their potential to shape an equitable future.