![Sub-Saharan Africa: Girls, women in extreme poverty to increase by 2030 – UNICEF, HOTPEN](https://hotpen.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_20240308_193742-1024x666.jpg)
By Hajara Usman
Dr. Tushar Rane, the Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Bauchi Field Office said that the number of girls and women living in extreme poverty in sub-Saharan Africa is projected to increase by 2030.
Dr Rane stated this at the commencement of a two-day media dialogue on investing in women, as part of activities to commemorate the 2024 International Women’s Day, themed” ‘Invest in women – Accelerate progress.’
He said that adolescent girls’ rights worldwide were under threat, with progress on key issues either stagnating or regressing on a global scale.
According to him, in the face of challenges such as the ongoing global economic crisis, political turmoil, and humanitarian emergencies, adolescent girls are often overlooked, exploited, or placed in precarious situations.
He said that it was shocking that one in seven girls in developing countries is married before reaching the age of 15 in addition to the elevated risks of sexual violence that adolescent girls continue to face.
“If present trajectories persist, the number of girls and women living in extreme poverty in sub-Saharan Africa is projected to increase by 2030.
“Nearly half of adolescent girls in UNICEF programme countries suffer from anaemia and lacking access to essential health and nutrition services in the event of pregnancy,” he said.
Rane said investing in the health, rights, and wellbeing of adolescent girls would generate a transformative ripple effect that uplifts entire nations, hence advocated for the empowerment of women and girls.
“By providing adolescent girls with the necessary support, access, and opportunities to realize their potential, we enable them to become formidable agents of change.
“Empowered girls can play a crucial role in tackling some of the most pressing global challenges, such as climate change, poverty, and conflict.
“Their contributions pave the way for inclusive and sustainable development, shaping a brighter future for generations to come.
“Let us together push for a world, characterized by equity and inclusivity, where girls and boys are empowered to access and benefit from the same rights, resources, opportunities, and protections, fostering a society where every person can thrive,” he said.