Premier Makhura encourages learners to focus on education
Nthabiseng Selepe from Jabulile Secondary School in Orange Farm said one of the biggest challenges among young girls is the lack of support to each other as women.
HUNDREDS of learners around Gauteng came in numbers to celebrate International Day of Girl Child with Gauteng Premier David Makhura present to talk about the protection of girls and their empowerment and to also the fulfilment of their human rights. The occasion took place at Nasrec Exhibition Centre, Nasrec, on October 11.
The celebration was the under the theme “Empower Girls: Before, During and After Conflict”. The day focused on the education of girls, their equality, child marriage, access to services regarding sexual health and addressing issues about gender-based violence.
Makhura used the platform to highlight the importance of education, describing it as a weapon young girls should use to defend themselves from any form of abuse.
“As the government, we are doing everything possible to ensure that no girl child drops out of school because of being bullied or abused at their schools. Our commitment is known to be critical in ensuring that more girls attend and remain in school,” said the premier.
He reiterated that as the country celebrates International Day of the Girl Child, the government calls for a commitment to invest in skills training and education for girls and livelihood activities for young women around the world who are facing crises.
“We all know that all over the world, especially in developing countries many young girls are facing an overwhelming challenge, some are being raped, some drop out of school because they do not have support at home, hence the Gauteng Government under the stewardship of Nandi Mayathula-Khoza, the MEC for Social Development, we provide dignity packs for you to focus on your books.”
“We want all children to complete their basic education and to become qualified professionals; we want women to conquer the world. There should be no profession without women” he added.
“You must focus on your education; no one will build a career for you. Our country is waiting for your contribution. As the province of Gauteng, we want every profession to be dominated by young women”, he concluded.
MEC for Social Development Mayathula-Khoza said the society should educate and mobilise families and communities about their responsibility towards the protection and care of girls.
“Let us reduce incidents of child abuse, neglect and exploitation. Let us uphold government’s commitment to protect and promote children’s rights,” said MEC Mayathula-Khoza.
Nthabiseng Selepe from Jabulile Secondary School in Orange Farm said one of the biggest challenges among young girls is lack of support to each other as women.
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