Anani, the ‘shadow speaker’ on international day of the girl-child said, “for me, I envision a future where every girl regardless of where she comes from has an opportunity to flourish”
In a groundbreaking gesture last Thursday, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen (APC Kaduna), made history by vacating his seat for 16-year-old gender advocate, Ms. Isabel Anani, to preside over a special session in honor of the International Day of the Girl-Child.
This marks the first time a sitting speaker of the House has allowed a non-member to conduct a plenary session.
The special session commenced with a surprise announcement from Speaker Abbas, introducing Ms. Anani to an audience of lawmakers and female students from schools across Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The event, organized in partnership with Plan International Nigeria, aimed to celebrate and highlight the role of the girl-child in shaping the nation’s future.
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While the United Nations has designated October 11 as the International Day for the Girl Child, the Speaker called for a significant recognition of the girl-child in plenary on Thursday.
Before vacating his seat, Speaker Abbas said: “Honourable Members of the House of Representatives, I am pleased to announce that today, the 10th of October, the House joins the global community in commemorating the International Day of the Girl Child. This day highlights the challenges faced by girls around the world, while celebrating their resilience, potential, and crucial role in shaping a better future.
“In recognition of this special occasion, we have the privilege of welcoming girls from public secondary schools across the Federal Capital Territory, who are present today to observe our proceedings. Their presence is a reminder of the importance of investing in the education and empowerment of young girls in Nigeria.
“Furthermore, the House is proud to introduce Ms Isabel Anani, our ‘Speaker for the Day.’ Isabel is a remarkable young leader and a Girl Advocate for Gender Equality. She is also the youngest member of the Technical Working Group for Adolescent Health and Wellbeing in Nigeria as well as a UNICEF Young Influencer.
Isabel was chosen for this prestigious role after emerging first among candidates across Nigeria, following an open call and a rigorous interview process.
“Throughout the day, she will shadow the Rt. Hon. Speaker, during today’s plenary session and in meetings, as part of our effort to empower young leaders. In the spirit of this celebration, I call on all Honourable Members to join me in a round of applause for Isabel and for all Nigerian girls who continue to demonstrate immense strength, ambition, and determination in overcoming barriers.”
As ‘speaker for the day,’ she presided over the presentation of a motion by Rep. Kafilat Ogbara (APC Lagos), chairperson of the house committee on women affairs, to mark the global day.
After unanimously adopting the motion, the house resolved to urge the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and National Orientation Agency (NOA), alongside other stakeholders, to collaborate with schools, community organisations, and religious institutions to educate the public on drug abuse dangers and promote a drug-free lifestyle and to make provision for rehabilitation.
The house also urged the ministry of education to devise practical ways, such as implementing mobile education units or community outreach programs, to educate out-of-school girls across the 36 states of the federation.
It also urged the leadership of the National Assembly to see to the amendment of the Child’s Rights Act to provide protection for sexually-abused children, and provide the necessary legislative support in terms of budgetary approvals to the concerned ministries in this regard; and also see to the domestication of the Child’s Right Act throughout the nation through the conference of speakers.
Furthermore, the house urged the leadership of the National Assembly to ensure the swift passage of bills that seek to protect women and girls, like the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill (GEOB).
Consequently, the ‘shadow speaker’ mandated the committees on women affairs and social development, and basic education and services to engage the NDLEA, the NOA, and other stakeholders by organising workshops, creating awareness campaigns, and monitoring progress to ensure compliance.
Addressing the house, Ms Anani, said: “For me, I envision a future where every girl regardless of where she comes from has an opportunity to flourish; where education isn’t seen as a high-pedestal privilege, but as an essential tool to equip girls to make important decisions that affect them, and ultimately the places they come from.
“I want a future where we don’t have to combat all the overwhelming experiences of childhood and adolescence alone; where girls aren’t discriminated because of their bodily functions, and are encouraged when they want to take firm hold of the mantle in places like STEM and politics and feel safe, feel wanted.”
She added: “As an aspiring woman in STEM, I know what it is like to be the only girl in male-dominated spaces. However, I don’t want to be the only girl. I want to be one of many. I want a future where the healthcare system for girls isn’t discriminated against due to the socio-cultural factors that so wrongfully exist.
“Now more than ever, we need girls to combat problems of climate change, political conflict, economic degeneration, diseases, and global unrest. We need to ensure that for every girl, there is access to healthcare that protects her and understands her needs; access to quality education that enables her to reach her potential; and safety from violence and harmful practices that affect her physically, emotionally and mentally.
“How would she take charge when she lives in constant fear? How does she dream when she is worried about what her next meal might be? Most importantly, she needs support because we all have a role to play.”
Photo credit: Green Chamber
