PENGASSAN Women Commission inspires young girls, urges Parents to guide children’s digital lives

***Expresses worry over Social Media Influence challenges

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) Women Commission (PWC) has raised concern over challenges young girls face due to social media’s influence, advising parents to monitor their children’s online activity with the use of parental controls as needed.
The National Chairperson of the PWC, Comrade Engineer Mary-Anne Ada Mbanaso, spoke in Abuja recently when the group celebrated the International Day of the Girl Child.
Held at Junior Secondary School, Karomanjigi, in Abuja, the celebration aimed to empower young girls and inspire them to pursue their dreams.
Though the International Day of the Girl Child took place on the 11th of October, 2024, the PWC northern region decided to celebrate it on the 30th of October, 2023 by addressing concerns over the negative influence of social media.
Mbanaso who served as the event’s special guest of honor emphasized the commission’s commitment to the event, which is marked annually across all four zones: Warri, Port Harcourt, Lagos, and Kaduna.
“Each zone celebrates this day to raise awareness and empower girls,” she stated, encouraging the girls to believe in themselves, know their rights under the Child Rights Act, and aspire to any career they choose.
Comrade Mbanaso highlighted the importance of guidance and counseling in today’s technology-driven world.
“Parents must pay close attention and instill strong values to prepare their children for the future,” she said.
In her inspiring message, Mbanaso shared her own journey, recalling her determination to become an engineer despite her father’s wish for her to study medicine.
She encouraged the girls to pursue their passions, view challenges as opportunities, and communicate openly with their parents about their goals. “You are the future. Hard work pays off. Believe in your dreams, overcome obstacles, and stay focused,” she urged, emphasizing confidence and resilience.
The Northern Region Chairperson and National Deputy Chairperson of PWC,; Comrade Yetunde Rufus-Adelakun, also known as “Mama Yetty,” who organized the event reflected on this year’s theme, “The Future of the Girl Child,” emphasizing the importance of empowering young girls through education, particularly in fields like STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

“This day is significant,” she said, “because it’s about investing in the future of young girls. We need to instill the value of education, making sure girls understand its importance. Through STEM, we are opening doors for them in fields that can shape their future and drive innovation.”

Mama Yeti acknowledged the growing concerns around social media and societal pressures that can influence young girls. She stressed the importance of community support, guidance, and positive reinforcement. “The NDLEA and other stakeholders are here to ensure children have the right knowledge about society today. We want our girls and boys to become champions, to stand tall in their goals, and not let negative influences sway them.”
Her message called on young girls to study hard, pursue their dreams, and become leaders who can spread the value of education to other girls, especially in rural areas.
Theme: Girls’ Vision for the Future – Catch Them Young’

Chairperson of the FCT TUCWC , Comrade Sandra Nenna Ogbonna highlighted the necessity of collective support in nurturing empowered young girls. She pointed out the unique vulnerabilities that girls face and stressed the importance of instilling positive habits and values early on.

Comrade Ogbonna advocated for parental vigilance in the digital age, emphasizing that young girls are increasingly susceptible to the pitfalls of social media. She recommended practical limitations on device usage, encouraging parents to prioritize educational focus before granting access to technology. “Parents should proactively educate their children about the good and the harmful, guiding them toward positive choices,” she stated.

Ogbonna also emphasized the need for a community-driven approach to child-rearing, encouraging parents to be open to input from educators and caregivers. “No one person raises a child alone. Community feedback can significantly shape a child’s behavior and choices,” she remarked, calling for a revival of communal support in nurturing values.

She concluded with a call to action for parents to prioritize open communication within their households and communities to foster positive growth and development in young girls. “Listening to and valuing input from others is crucial for raising children with the right values,” she affirmed.

The event, part of PWC outreach in Kaduna Zone, aimed to inspire girls to dream big and recognize the importance of education and self-empowerment for success.
The PWC donated Sanitary towels to firm support for the girls in the school for hygiene and ease of availability.
There were also health talks on Cancer of the breast, Child’s rights, Drug Abuse and gifts of educational materials as well as presents to the overall best students in each set in the GSS Karomanjiji school.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) was on hand to also guide the children against the dangers in drug abuse and the negative consequences.
The International Federation of Women Lawyers was also represented to exposed the girls to the issues around their rights as well as the Girl Child Right.