The Mauritanian National Assembly, in collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) office in Mauritania, hosted a dialogue between a group of girls and parliamentarians at the Assembly's headquarters in Nouakchott. This event was part of the activities commemorating the International Day of the Girl Child, which falls on October 11th every year. The dialogue aimed to empower girls to engage in direct conversation with representatives of the people, express their opinions and aspirations, and discuss issues that concern them, particularly in the areas of education, protection, and participation in public life.
The Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Mrs. Meraha Bent Mahfouz Lemrabet, emphasized that paying attention to girls' issues is not limited to ensuring their rights to education, health, and protection, but also includes empowering them to express their opinions and participate in discussions on issues that affect their present and future. She highlighted the importance of this meeting in promoting communication between girls and their representatives in the legislative institution, fostering a culture of dialogue, and listening to their proposals to help develop policies and initiatives aimed at protecting their rights and expanding opportunities.
The Minister of Culture, Arts, Communication, and Relations with Parliament, Spokesperson for the Government, Mr. Mohamed Ould Bebane, praised initiatives like this and reaffirmed his ministry's readiness to support and accompany activities organized by the National Assembly aimed at enhancing the capacities of parliamentarians to carry out their legislative and oversight roles effectively. He noted that childhood issues hold an important place in national public policies and receive special care from President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, who has made human capital development and social inclusion key axes in his "Ambition for the Country" program.
The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Social Work, Childhood, and Family, Mr. Hamoudi Cheikhna Ould Ali, stated that caring for girls, protecting their rights, and empowering them is not just a social choice or a development requirement but a moral, humanitarian, and national religious duty based on the values of Islam. He commended the National Assembly for organizing this awareness day in coordination with UNICEF, which provides an opportunity to enhance parliamentarians' awareness of the challenges faced by girls.
The Resident Representative of UNICEF in Mauritania, Mr. Al-Kabir Al-Alawi, noted that this meeting reflects the National Assembly's commitment to giving more space to the voices of Mauritanian girls in their country. He thanked the National Assembly and the Mauritanian Government for organizing this dialogue, which places girls at the heart of national dialogue. He also highlighted that Mauritania is making significant efforts to ensure girls' rights, although some girls still face challenges that this dialogue can help address.
The dialogue between girls and parliamentarians is part of broader efforts to promote girls' education, protection, and participation in Mauritania. According to the Mauritanian Information Agency, such initiatives aim to foster a culture of dialogue and cooperation between girls and their representatives in the legislative institution. These efforts are crucial in developing policies and initiatives that address the specific needs and challenges faced by girls in Mauritania.
Key stakeholders, including government officials, parliamentarians, and representatives from UNICEF, emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and support to ensure that girls' voices are heard and their rights protected. The dialogue serves as a platform for girls to express their opinions and aspirations, contributing to the development of more effective policies and initiatives that promote their well-being and empowerment.
Key points
- The Mauritanian National Assembly and UNICEF organized a dialogue between girls and parliamentarians to mark the International Day of the Girl Child.
- The dialogue aimed to empower girls to express their opinions and discuss issues that concern them, particularly in education, protection, and public life.
- The event reflects a broader commitment to promoting girls' rights, education, and participation in Mauritania.
