Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, has decried the increasing cases of rape and other forms of violence against the girl-child by their fathers and other members of the society.
The Minister spoke on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at the State of the Nigerian Girls Summit with the theme: “Our time is now – Our Rights, Our Future.”
The summit was held at the National Centre for Women Development, Abuja, in commemoration of the 2022 International Day of the Girl-Child (IDGC).
Mrs. Tallen said the ministry receives reported cases of rape and other forms of violence against girls and children, particularly the girl-child, everyday.
“Some of these girls are dying in silence and we must do everything possible to identify and address some of these problems by getting closer to them,” she said.
“We receive in the ministry on a daily basis, and I am sure commissioners can testify at the state level, cases where fathers rape their daughters,”
“It is very sad, it is an abomination. It is unacceptable. But in case it happens, please, girls, speak out more,” she said.
The minister encouraged survivors of any form of violence to always speak out to ensure that justice is served and the perpetrators prosecuted.
