Women Accountants Recommit to Empowering the Girl Child: Building Leaders for a Better Future

As the world marked the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child on October 11, the Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN) reaffirmed its dedication to promoting education, leadership, and empowerment for young girls. The event’s theme, “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis,” highlights the resilience and leadership potential of girls who continue to thrive despite life’s challenges. 

Blessing Osakwe-Ogo, the National Chairperson of SWAN, emphasized that empowering the girl child is not just a social duty—it is a foundation for national development and social transformation. She noted that even when faced with barriers, girls have proven their excellence in academics, leadership, and innovation, citing the impressive performance of female candidates in ICAN examinations as an example. 

“Every day, the girl child is on the frontline of crisis in every aspect of her life, yet she continues to demonstrate courage, brilliance, and leadership potential despite the odds,” — Blessing Osakwe-Ogo 

Creating Safe Spaces for Growth and Leadership 

Osakwe-Ogo called for collective action from the government, civil society, schools, and families to provide girls with the tools and support they need to succeed. She emphasized the importance of creating safe spaces where girls can learn, express themselves, and grow into confident women capable of shaping their futures. 

Practical steps include: 

• Access to Quality Education: Ensuring every girl could learn, regardless of background or circumstance. 

• Mentorship and Leadership Training: Connecting girls with successful women who can guide and inspire them. 

• Psychosocial and Emotional Support: Providing counseling and safe environments for girls in vulnerable communities. 

• Financial Literacy: Teaching young girls how to manage money and become economically independent. 

How Individuals and Communities Can Benefit 

Empowering the girl child doesn’t only benefit the girls themselves—it strengthens families, communities, and nations. Here’s how people can make a difference: 

• Parents can nurture confidence and self-worth in their daughters by encouraging education and self-expression. 

• Teachers and Schools can mentor young girls and promote gender equality in classrooms. 

• Communities and NGOs can sponsor programs that provide mentorship, scholarships, and skills training. 

• Businesses and Professionals can support initiatives like SWAN’s by offering internships and training opportunities for young girls. 

When girls are educated and empowered, they grow into women who lead, create jobs, and build stronger societies. 

Inspiring the Next Generation 

Quoting the late American singer Whitney Houston, Osakwe-Ogo reminded every girl that, “Learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all.” SWAN’s ongoing programmes—including mentorship sessions, financial literacy workshops, and educational outreach—aim to build confidence and resilience among Nigerian girls. 

To every girl out there: your voice matters. Speak up, dream big, and know that you are the change your community needs. 

Empowering girls is an investment in the future of humanity. As SWAN continues its mission to nurture the next generation of female leaders, Nigerians are encouraged to play their part in ensuring that every girl could learn, lead, and thrive. A society that empowers its girls lays the foundation for lasting progress, peace, and prosperity.