SWAN Reaffirmed Commitment on How Women Can Raise Confident, Resilient Girls

The Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN) has reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing and empowering the girl child through education, mentorship, and leadership development, as part of its long-standing mission to help women raise strong, confident, and capable daughters.

In a statement marking the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child, celebrated annually on October 11, SWAN described the empowerment of girls as “the foundation of nation building and social transformation.” This year’s global theme, “The Girl I Am, The Change, I Lead Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis”, celebrates the strength, resilience, and leadership of girls overcoming challenges in their homes and communities.

SWAN’s National Chairperson, Blessing Osakwe Ogo, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate girls across the world and highlighted the vital role of women in shaping the next generation.

We do not take for granted the privilege of being the hand that rocks the cradle. Every girl child faces challenges daily, yet she continues to display courage, brilliance, and leadership despite the odd. Osakwen Ogo noted that across the globe, girls are proving their potential in academics, leadership, and innovation achievements that reflect the value of deliberate investment in their development. She cited the outstanding performance of young female candidates in ICAN examinations as evidence that when girls are supported, they excel.

She emphasized that empowering girls begins at home, where mothers and women mentors play a crucial role in guiding, protecting, and inspiring the younger generation. Every woman has a role to play in raising the next generation of confident, value driven young women. We must teach our girls to love themselves, value education, and believe in their potential. Osakwe Ogo called on government agencies, educators, and families to create safe spaces that allow girls to learn and thrive, while providing mentorship and psychosocial support especially for those in vulnerable environments.

“We must empower our girls to see themselves not as victims of circumstance but as leaders and problem-solvers,” she added. “They must know they have agency over their bodies, their dreams, and their future.”

Reaffirming SWAN’s dedication to the welfare of girls, Osakwe Ogo explained that the association’s annual programmes including mentorship schemes, educational outreach, financial literacy classes, and leadership workshops are designed to help young girls build confidence, discipline, and resilience. To every girl child out there, we say your voice matters. Celebrate your growth, share your story, and never forget that you are the change your world needs,” she said, quoting Whitney Houston: “Learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all.” She concluded by stating that when women empower girls, they secure the future of families, communities, and nations ensuring a generation of women ready to lead, nurture, and transform society.