GABORONE- UNICEF and Ministry of Education and Skills Development will host a roundtable discussion for adolescent girls with disabilities to commemorate International Day of the Girl. The event themed, Girls’ Vision for the Future will be held in Ramotswa on 11th October 2024.
The commemoration will gather over 100 adolescent girls with disabilities to share their dreams, aspirations, discuss the challenges they face and explore solutions aimed at addressing the challenges in support of their goals. Children and young people with disabilities face greater barriers in their daily lives including discrimination and stigma in the home, in communities, in schools and when accessing essential social services such as health. In some instances, they fall behind in education, never attend school or drop out, due to barriers such as stigma, lack of skilled special education needs teachers, inadequate resources as well as inclusive facilities.
Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Talitha Monnaakgotla will officiate at the event.To mark the commemoration,UNICEF and partners will champion the importance of investment in solutions for girls, ensuring their voice and vision are central to how we shape a more inclusive future. The International Day of the Girl, observed annually on October 11th is a global platform to advocate for the full spectrum of girls’ rights.
*TUDUETSO KELAPILE is UNICEF (Botswana) head of communications, advocacy and partnerships
