SWAN Reaffirms Commitment to Girl-Child Empowerment on International Day of the Girl Child

The Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN) has restated its dedication to advancing the education, leadership, and empowerment of the girl child as the world commemorates the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child. The annual global observance, held every October 11, celebrates the potential and resilience of girls while drawing attention to the obstacles they face. This year’s theme, “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis,” highlights the strength and leadership of girls confronting challenges in their communities and beyond.

In a statement signed by SWAN’s National Chairperson, Blessing Osakwe-Ogo, the association described the empowerment of girls as a cornerstone of national development and social transformation. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to join millions of girls and advocates worldwide in celebrating the day, noting that girls continue to show exceptional courage and leadership despite the crises that often shape their lives.

Osakwe-Ogo praised the achievements of girls in education, innovation, and leadership, citing the impressive performance of female candidates in the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) examinations. She called for collaborative efforts among government bodies, schools, civil society organisations, and families to create safe spaces and provide psychosocial support, quality education, and mentorship for girls—especially those in vulnerable or crisis-prone settings. Empowering girls, she said, will help them become active leaders and problem-solvers rather than victims of circumstance.

Reaffirming SWAN’s long-standing commitment, Osakwe-Ogo noted that the association runs several initiatives, including mentorship programmes, educational outreaches, financial literacy training, and leadership workshops aimed at building confidence and resilience among young girls. She encouraged every girl to embrace her identity and amplify her voice, quoting Whitney Houston’s words: “Learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all.” She concluded that investing in the girl child is an investment in the future of families, communities, and nations.