In a historic move to celebrate the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child, Nigeria’s House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas vacated his seat, allowing 16-year-old Isabel Anani to step in as “Shadow Speaker” for the day. Anani, a passionate advocate for gender equality and a UNICEF Young Influencer, addressed parliament on the importance of empowering girls through education and healthcare.
Her role as a symbolic leader aimed to highlight the need for inclusive policies that protect girls, particularly through amending the Child Rights Act and promoting the swift passage of gender-focused legislation like the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill. During the session, Anani emphasized a vision of equality where girls can thrive without fear or discrimination, particularly in education and healthcare. The event underscored the challenges young girls face and the importance of giving them platforms to lead and make impactful decisions.
