The International Day of the Girl Child, celebrated annually on October 11, serves as a platform to highlight the challenges faced by girls worldwide and to promote gender equality.
For Obiangeri (Oby) Dike, an accomplished lawyer and a dedicated girl child ambassador; any given chance to celebrate, honour and showcase the strength, resilience and tenacity of the girl child is prioritized and maximized optimally.
With a Master’s degree in International Commercial Law at the University of Kent in the United Kingdom laced with over 16 years’ experience in the financial sector as an internal auditor within Compliance, Conduct, and AML, Ms. Dike believes effective leadership can mobilize resources and influence policy decisions that benefit marginalized groups, including girls.
Ms. Dike’s work aligns with this perspective, as she has utilized her leadership skills to address issues such as educational access, health care, and gender-based violence. Her active participation and collaboration with Treasured Points of Light Foundation, a not for profit organization, birthed out of passion to add value to the lives of the less privileged children has changed the fortune of hundreds of women and girls residing in hard to reach communities in Ogun state.
Dike’s advocacy efforts have focused on increasing educational opportunities for girls, particularly in underserved communities. A passionate advocate for justice, Ms. Dike uses her legal expertise to promote ethical governance and organizational integrity. As a dedicated Girl Child Ambassador, an innate role further inspired by sharing the same date as UN International Day of the Girl Child, she believes she can significantly impact local and national policies, thereby improving the overall status of girls.
Ms. Dike, a vocal champion for gender equality and the empowerment of young women has continued to blaze the trail by touching lives during and after every outreach organized by the Treasured Points of Light Foundation. Annually, TPOL outreaches are segmented into three (3) parts, Fun in the Slum, Back to School Outreach and The International Day of the Girl Child, all celebrated in select rural and underserved communities in Ogun State.
Speaking on the impactful role Ms. Oby has continued to play since her collaboration with the foundation, The President and Founder of Treasured Points of Light Foundation, Oluwadamilola Onebamhoin said, *‘Ms. Oby’s leadership has had a profound impact on girl child advocacy in several ways. First, her ability to mobilize community support has led to increased enrollment of girls in schools through scholarships. Second, her initiatives have raised awareness about the importance of girls’ education, resulting in policy changes at both local and national levels. Third, her leadership has inspired a new generation of advocates, fostering a culture of empowerment among young girls.’*
Ms. Dike’s approach combines grassroots mobilization with strategic partnerships, enabling her to address the multifaceted challenges faced by girls. Her emphasis on education as a fundamental right aligns with global efforts to promote gender equality and empower girls.
Also, Ms. Oby’s leadership style exemplifies the importance of inclusivity and collaboration in advocacy work. By engaging various stakeholders, including parents, educators, and policymakers, she has created a supportive network that amplifies the voices of girls. This collaborative approach not only enhances the effectiveness of advocacy efforts but also fosters a sense of ownership among community members.
Obiangeri Dike’s contributions to girl child advocacy exemplify the transformative power of leadership in promoting gender equality. Her work underscores the necessity of sustained efforts to address the barriers faced by girls and to create an enabling environment for their development.
As we celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child, it is essential to recognize the impact of leaders like Dike, who continue to inspire change and advocate for the rights of girls worldwide.
