An Abuja-based NGO, Help Line Foundation for the Needy has fine tone ways to proffer solutions to the challenges of the girl-child,  especially among the original inhabitants of Abuja, even as it identified early Mentorship and social inclusion as key to nation building.

President, of Helpline Foundation For the Needy,  Dr. Jumai Ahmadu who disclosed this  at a one-day workshop on ” Gender Equality and Social Inclusion for FCT Original Inhabitants Girl-child Mentorship and Capacity Building”, said a well-groomed girl-child will grow into a responsible and resourceful woman that nurtures the society in several ways.

Represented by the Project Manager of the Foundation,  Arome Onoja, Dr. Ahmadu said the workshop supported by Macarthur Foundation and CHRICED, was meant to provide more insight into the challenges of girl-child,  especially among the original inhabitants of Abuja, and also address them.

She noted that all stakeholders need to promote ideals that espouse gender equality and social inclusion for the girl-child, bearing in mind the fact that the hope for healthy generations depends on the upbringing of the girl-child.

In the words of the president: “Today we are here for another dimension of the project with an objective to mentor the girl child on Gender equality and social inclusion and building their capacity to be able to stand strong and compete in an inclusive economy where talents can meet with opportunities. This program will in no doubt prepare them for a future we all anticipate for them to become virtuous women.

” Remember when you train a girl-child you have trained a generation”, she added.

On her part,  Kosi Izundu, a  Reproductive Health/Family Planning Program Officer, who represented  Pathfinder International Nigeria, Kosi Izundu said that part of the mentorship program the girl-child need was a proper understanding of her reproductive states and the issues surrounding it.

She explained that with the right information at every phase of their lives, the girl child will grow into adults that would make a reasonable impact in the society.

Highlights of the event include reproductive health and sex education.