The Director of Women’s Empowerment and the Family Center, Bangem, Mwene Agnes Senge, has disclosed that the girl-child embodies the potential, resilience, and strength of the nation.
Senge was speaking on March 16, 2026 at the esplanade of her institution on the occasion of the Flag Hoisting ceremony presided by the Senior Divisional Officer of Kupe Muanenguba, Nguia Beina Theophile.
She said in Cameroon, empowering the girl-child is crucial for breaking cycles of poverty, promoting gender equality, and driving national development. “As we celebrate the progress made, we must acknowledge the challenges that still hinder the growth of our girls.”
According to the Director, Education is key to unlocking the potential of a girl-child. “When educated, she gains knowledge, confidence, and skills to make informed decisions about her life, career, and future.”
Senge added that the benefits of educating a girl child are endless: improved family health, economic stability, and a reduced likelihood of child marriage and exploitation. “In fact, every extra year of schooling increases a girl’s future wages by roughly 12%, enabling her to break the cycle of poverty for her family.”
However, the Director disclosed that empowerment goes beyond education. “It involves fostering self-confidence, leadership, and independence, allowing girls to make informed choices about their health, lives, and communities. It means providing access to healthcare, protecting them from violence, and promoting gender equality.”
She said the girl child should also engage in community service, promote social cohesion, and advocate for her rights. By doing so, she said she will contribute to a brighter future for herself and her community.
She called on the society support and empower our girls, remove barriers to education, provide access to healthcare, and protect them from abuse and exploitation. “We must nurture their potential, and they will grow into forces of nature, driving positive change and progress.”
“As we move forward, let us prioritize the empowerment of our girls. Let us create a society that supports, encourages, and nurtures their growth. Together, we can build a brighter future for all.”
“Empowering a girl-child is like planting the seeds of a mighty oak tree in a tiny acorn. Nurture her potentials, and she will grow into a force of nature.”
By Olive Ejang
