The Pathfinders for Young Leaders Mentorship, Advocacy and Community Development Foundation joined the global community to celebrate the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child with the theme “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontline of Crisis.”
The program emphasized the power, resilience, and leadership potential of girls who continue to make remarkable contributions even in the face of adversity.
In her welcome remark, the Executive Director of the Foundation, Abigail S. Asantu, said the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child reminds the world that every girl has the power to shape the future. She described this year’s theme, “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontline of Crisis,” as a call to recognize girls’ courage and leadership in turning challenges into opportunities.
She noted that girls around the world face conflict, poverty, and inequality, yet they continue to lead with strength and vision. From advocating for education and health to promoting peace, girls are proving that their voices can drive real change.
Asantu encouraged girls to be bold, speak up for justice, and use their potential to make a difference. She added that when girls are empowered to lead, their courage inspires communities, and the world becomes a better place.
Delivering her keynote address, Nrs. Amos Aku spoke on the theme “Girls on the Frontline of Crisis.” She said girls face multiple challenges such as conflict, poverty, gender-based violence, and limited access to education, which often hit them harder due to inequality and lack of support systems.
She noted that despite these difficulties, girls continue to show resilience, creativity, and courage. Across the world, many are leading efforts for peace, education, and climate action, proving that they are not victims but leaders of change.
Nrs. Aku urged families, communities, and leaders to support and invest in girls’ education and safety. She stressed that empowering girls is not just a duty but a necessity for a fair and sustainable future, adding that “the girl you are today is the change the world needs tomorrow.”
During the program, Goji E. Goji, the Executive Director of VCI Nigeria spoke on “Outcomes for the Girl Child,” stressing that every girl should be safe, healthy, loved, well-educated, and of good reputation. He said these are basic human needs that, when met, give girls a stronger chance to succeed in life.
The program also featured a panel discussion on the theme “Girls on the Frontline of Crisis,” moderated by Treasure Clement with panelists Samuel Afang, Hope Ajagbe, Ruth Marshall, and MaryJoy Emmanuel. They discussed the challenges girls face in crises and the need to empower them as leaders and changemakers.
The event reaffirmed the call to empower and support girls to reach their full potential. It emphasized that when girls are given equal opportunities, they become strong leaders who drive positive change in their communities and beyond.
