UNFPA calls for increased investment in protection and development of girls

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on Friday called for increased investment towards protection and development of the girl child in South Sudan.

“In terms of protection and development, the international day of the girl child presents an opportunity for strategic advocacy to increase investment in issues of the protection and the development of the girl child,” Ademola Olajide, the country representative for the UNFPA told journalists at UN House.

He stressed the importance of the role women play in the social economic development of the country.

Olajide noted that women and girls make up 50 percent of the population of South Sudan.

“Girls have potential to lead, we have a responsibility to protect them and support their dreams to ensure that they can optimize their potential and contribute to socio-economic development,” he said.

Olajide said the government and partners need to ensure the potential of girls is optimized to help them contribute to socio-economic development. 

International Day of the girl Child is celebrated annually on October 11.