The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Abeokuta Chapter, has called for a change in societal attitudes towards girls, urging families and communities to remove barriers that prevent them from accessing education and pursuing their aspirations.
Penpushing reports that chairman of the association, Engr. Bola Adeoye made the call during a community advocacy programme, which was part of activities marking the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, celebrated on October 11, held at Omida Market in Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital.
The members of the outreach under the theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights.’, engaged market women, schoolchildren, young people and other residents on the need to uphold girls’ rights and invest in their future.
Penpushing further reports that the body, moving beyond conventional public awareness campaigns, held one-on-one discussions with traders, encouraging them to consider how family decisions, cultural expectations and attitudes towards female education could shape the future of young girls.
The conversations equally extended to schoolchildren and young people, with emphasis on the importance of education, self-confidence, personal development and the freedom to pursue careers based on individual interests and abilities.
Penpushing also reports that Adeoye in an interview with journalists, pointed out that society must move away from practices that make girls appear less deserving of educational and professional opportunities than boys.
“A girl should not have to abandon her dreams simply because she is female. She deserves the opportunity to learn, develop her abilities and contribute meaningfully to society. We must create an environment where her potential is recognised and supported,” she said.
Penpushing reports that Adeoye observed that economic hardship sometimes forced families to make difficult decisions about their children’s education, but cautioned against consistently placing girls at a disadvantage when resources were limited.
The chairman stressed that educating a girl should be regarded as a valuable investment rather than an unnecessary burden, as the benefits extend beyond the individual to families and society.
Penpushing further reports that Adeoye challenged parents to allow their daughters to explore opportunities in fields traditionally dominated by men, particularly science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The association boss noted that early exposure to different professions, combined with guidance from experienced practitioners, could help girls develop confidence and make informed choices about their future.
Penpushing also reports that she explained that professional women had an important role to play in this process by sharing their experiences, mentoring younger girls and helping them understand the opportunities available through education and skills development.
The chairman urged professional associations to strengthen their involvement in community development by creating more opportunities for young girls to interact with women who have built careers in different fields.
Penpushing reports that Adeoye, emphasised that beyond the classroom and workplace, girls must also be protected from abuse, exploitation, discrimination and child marriage, which can undermine their wellbeing and disrupt their education.
The association chairman called on parents, community leaders and other stakeholders to remain alert to practices that threaten girls’ safety and development, stressing that protecting their rights required consistent attention and collective responsibility.
Penpushing further reports that the engagement with market women provided an opportunity to highlight the influence of women in shaping family decisions and community attitudes.
The group added that through their daily interactions with children and families, traders and other women can help reinforce the importance of education and encourage parents to support their daughters’ ambitions.
Penpushing also reports that in similar vein, discussions with schoolchildren sought to strengthen awareness of the value of education and encourage young people to respect girls’ rights and reject stereotypes that restrict their opportunities.
The chairman called on the media to give sustained attention to issues affecting girls, including educational access, protection from harmful practices and the need for equal opportunities in professional and public life.
Penpushing reports that she maintained that the significance of the International Day of the Girl Child should not end with annual celebrations, urging stakeholders to translate awareness into practical support for girls in their homes, schools and communities.
The chairman explained that the outreach at Omida Market was part of the association’s effort to bring these issues closer to the public and encourage individuals to examine how their decisions and actions affect girls’ lives.
Penpushing further reports that she stressed that a society that educates, protects and empowers its girls creates better prospects for future generations, should have the opportunity to grow into a confident, capable and independent woman.
The 2026 observance, highlighted the need to protect girls from practices that threaten their development while ensuring that they have access to opportunities that enable them to fulfil their potential.
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