Kananga, October 20, 2024 – As the International Day of the Girl Child was recently celebrated, it is essential to highlight the importance of breaking the silence around the injustices suffered by young girls in Kananga, in the Kasai Central province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Faced with a bleak reality, where young girls are often victims of neglect in schooling, early marriage and sexual abuse, it is imperative to highlight these issues and encourage young girls to assert their rights.
Chantal Ndaya, Head of the Provincial Division of Gender, Family and Children, emphasizes that sex education remains a taboo in many families, which contributes to perpetuating sexual violence and unwanted pregnancies among young girls. In addition, young girls living with a disability, whether sensory, mental or physical, also face additional challenges, both in terms of self-acceptance and the fight against discrimination.
It is therefore essential that provincial authorities and United Nations Agencies provide increased support to the girls of Kananga to promote their development within a more equitable and development-oriented society. By encouraging young girls to have confidence in themselves and to fight against all forms of discrimination, it is possible to create a more inclusive environment that respects their rights.
The International Day of the Girl Child, under the theme “Girls’ Vision for the Future”, offers an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of valuing, promoting and listening to young girls, so that they can play an active and fulfilled role in society. By breaking the silence and raising awareness of the challenges that young girls face, it is possible to build a more just and equal future for all. ACP/C.L.