Iringa. Tanzania has joined other nations around the world in marking the climax of the International Day of the Girl Child, commemorated every year on October 11, with stakeholders, human rights advocates, and various organisations emphasising the importance of protecting and empowering girls to achieve sustainable development.
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Speaking during the commemoration held in Iringa, Benson Lwakatare, Project Officer from SOS Children’s Villages Tanzania, said the organisation has been at the forefront of advocating for children’s rights and protection by implementing programmes that support girls who became pregnant at a young age to continue pursuing their dreams.
“This day is important to us because it gives us an opportunity to remind the world that challenges facing girls—especially teenage pregnancies—should not be barriers to development. Through collaboration with the government, we have managed to return more than 33 girls to school through the re-entry policy, and some have successfully completed their secondary education,” said Lwakatare.
He added that SOS works closely with departments of community development, social welfare, and education to ensure that these girls receive a second chance to learn and improve their livelihoods.
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One of the beneficiaries of the Binti Bora (Better Girl) project, Sarafina Sanga, said she regained hope through the support of SOS after dropping out of school due to pregnancy.
“I received training in entrepreneurship, parenting, and business start-up capital. I now run a cosmetics and bodaboda business and have employed two young people. This day is very special to me because it gives me a platform to inspire other girls to value education and believe in themselves,” said Sanga.
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For his part, Iringa Regional Commissioner, Kheri James, who officiated the event, said society must recognise the value of the girl child as a gift from God and create a safe environment for her to grow and thrive.
“The girl child is the mother of tomorrow, the future wife, and a professional who will contribute to the development of our community. Therefore, protecting the girl child is a collective responsibility—not the government’s alone,” said RC James.
The International Day of the Girl Child was established by the United Nations in 2011 and first observed on October 11, 2012. Its main goal is to promote gender equality, safeguard the rights of girls, and expand opportunities in education, health, employment, and overall development.
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