{"id":38200,"date":"2025-10-10T21:42:02","date_gmt":"2025-10-10T21:42:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chessinslumsafrica.com\/?p=38200"},"modified":"2025-10-10T21:42:02","modified_gmt":"2025-10-10T21:42:02","slug":"international-day-of-the-girl-child","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chessinslumsafrica.com\/our-stories\/international-day-of-the-girl-child\/","title":{"rendered":"International Day of the Girl Child 2025: Chess for Girls in Cross River"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"356\" data-end=\"515\">Each year on <strong data-start=\"369\" data-end=\"383\">October 11<\/strong>, the world observes the <strong data-start=\"408\" data-end=\"447\">International Day of the Girl Child<\/strong> to honor the strength, potential, and dreams of girls everywhere.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"517\" data-end=\"843\">The 2025 theme, <em data-start=\"533\" data-end=\"570\">\u201cGirls on the Frontline of Crisis,\u201d<\/em> highlights the reality that in times of poverty, conflict, or cultural injustice, girls are often the most affected. Yet, when empowered, they become the strongest drivers of change. Their stories are not only about survival but about leadership, transformation, and hope.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"494\" data-end=\"544\"><\/h3>\n<h3 data-start=\"494\" data-end=\"544\"><strong data-start=\"498\" data-end=\"544\">Girls on the Frontline: The Global Picture<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"546\" data-end=\"739\">Across the world, millions of girls continue to face barriers that deny them education, safety, and opportunity. While progress has been made, the numbers remind us how far we still have to go.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"743\" data-end=\"883\"><strong data-start=\"743\" data-end=\"764\">129 million girls<\/strong> are still out of school globally,\u00a0 32 million of primary school age and 97 million of secondary school age (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.unicef.org\/education\/girls-education\">UNESCO<\/a>).<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"886\" data-end=\"976\">In <strong data-start=\"889\" data-end=\"911\">sub-Saharan Africa<\/strong>, nearly <strong data-start=\"920\" data-end=\"937\">4 in 10 girls<\/strong> marry before the age of 18 (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.unicef.org\/protection\/child-marriage\">UNICEF<\/a>).<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"979\" data-end=\"1069\"><strong data-start=\"979\" data-end=\"1006\">Girls in conflict zones<\/strong> are <strong data-start=\"1011\" data-end=\"1036\">2.5 times more likely<\/strong> to be out of school than boys.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1072\" data-end=\"1247\">The <strong data-start=\"1076\" data-end=\"1098\">digital gender gap<\/strong> means millions of girls remain excluded from learning skills like coding and computer literacy , the very tools needed to thrive in today\u2019s world.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Even where education is accessible, <strong data-start=\"1286\" data-end=\"1340\">poverty, early marriage, and gender-based violence<\/strong> continue to push girls out of classrooms and into cycles of vulnerability.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1417\" data-end=\"1634\">These statistics are not just numbers , they represent futures at risk. But they also represent potential ; the brilliance, strength, and leadership that can emerge when girls are given the chance to learn and lead.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"845\" data-end=\"879\"><\/h3>\n<h3 data-start=\"845\" data-end=\"879\">A Story of Change from Obanliku<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"881\" data-end=\"1268\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-38205 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/chessinslumsafrica.com\/our-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Chess-in-Slums-Africa-in-Cross-RIver--200x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"222\" height=\"333\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"881\" data-end=\"1268\">In <strong data-start=\"884\" data-end=\"895\">Becheve<\/strong>, a remote community in <strong data-start=\"919\" data-end=\"950\">Obanliku, Cross River State<\/strong>, there once existed a painful cultural practice known as <strong data-start=\"1008\" data-end=\"1025\">\u201cmoney wife.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"881\" data-end=\"1268\">In the past, families in extreme poverty gave away young girls in marriage to settle debts or secure food for survival. This practice has been <strong data-start=\"1171\" data-end=\"1184\">abolished<\/strong>, but its effects still echo in the lives of women and girls born into that cycle.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1270\" data-end=\"1550\">For them, the survivors and daughters of survivors, <strong data-start=\"1322\" data-end=\"1353\">we at Chess in Slums Africa<\/strong> launched the <strong data-start=\"1367\" data-end=\"1395\">Queens Not Pawns Project<\/strong>, using chess as a tool for healing, education, and empowerment. The goal was to help these girls rediscover their potential and rewrite their own stories.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1552\" data-end=\"1580\"><\/h3>\n<h3 data-start=\"1552\" data-end=\"1580\"><\/h3>\n<h3 data-start=\"1552\" data-end=\"1580\"><\/h3>\n<h3 data-start=\"1552\" data-end=\"1580\"><\/h3>\n<h3 data-start=\"1552\" data-end=\"1580\">From Awareness to Action<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1582\" data-end=\"1947\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-38202 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/chessinslumsafrica.com\/our-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/CISA-in-Cross-RIver-231x300.jpg\" alt=\"CISA in Cross RIver\" width=\"265\" height=\"344\" srcset=\"https:\/\/chessinslumsafrica.com\/our-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/CISA-in-Cross-RIver-231x300.jpg 231w, https:\/\/chessinslumsafrica.com\/our-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/CISA-in-Cross-RIver.jpg 277w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 265px) 100vw, 265px\" \/>In <strong data-start=\"1585\" data-end=\"1601\">October 2022<\/strong>, our founder <strong data-start=\"1615\" data-end=\"1632\">Tunde Onakoya<\/strong> first learned about the \u201cmoney wife\u201d practice through a documentary that revealed the plight of affected girls in Becheve. Deeply moved, he felt a responsibility to act. Over the next few weeks, our team conducted research, reached out to community leaders, and began building a plan for meaningful intervention.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1949\" data-end=\"2263\">By <strong data-start=\"1952\" data-end=\"1969\">December 2022<\/strong>, after several consultations and groundwork, we traveled to Cross River with a team of volunteers and local partners to launch the <strong data-start=\"2097\" data-end=\"2125\">Queens Not Pawns Project<\/strong>. Our focus was clear: to listen to survivors, earn the community\u2019s trust, and help create opportunities for the next generation of girls.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"2265\" data-end=\"2289\"><\/h3>\n<h3 data-start=\"2265\" data-end=\"2289\">From Pain to Promise<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2291\" data-end=\"2600\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-38203 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/chessinslumsafrica.com\/our-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Girl-Child-Day-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"Girl Child Day\" width=\"339\" height=\"191\" \/>\u00a0<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-38238 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/chessinslumsafrica.com\/our-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC09683-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"369\" height=\"208\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-38235 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/chessinslumsafrica.com\/our-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_2137-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"332\" height=\"221\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2291\" data-end=\"2600\">With the full support of traditional and community leaders, we selected <strong data-start=\"2363\" data-end=\"2375\">50+ girls<\/strong> from the Obanliku community to participate in an intensive two-week learning program. These girls were either born into or affected by the old practice, as well as children of survivors from families with low socio-economic backgrounds.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2602\" data-end=\"2881\">For six hours each day, the girls explored <strong data-start=\"2645\" data-end=\"2712\">chess, coding, computer literacy, reading, and drone technology<\/strong>, opening new worlds of imagination and skill. Through every move on the chessboard, they learned strategy, patience, and confidence, lessons that mirrored life itself.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"2883\" data-end=\"2917\"><\/h3>\n<h3 data-start=\"2883\" data-end=\"2917\"><\/h3>\n<h3 data-start=\"2883\" data-end=\"2917\">Resilience Beyond Circumstance<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2919\" data-end=\"3275\">Among the participants were girls who had faced unimaginable hardship, yet displayed courage and brilliance throughout the program. One young participant, once trapped in an early marriage, found a new sense of purpose and excelled in the final chess tournament. Another, who joined despite illness, stood out for her determination and love for learning.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3277\" data-end=\"3482\">Their resilience reminds us that while the past cannot be changed, the future can be rewritten. Given the right opportunities, every girl can rise beyond her circumstances and lead change in her community.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3752\" data-end=\"3923\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-38211\" src=\"https:\/\/chessinslumsafrica.com\/our-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_2962-1-300x173.jpg\" alt=\"Chess in Slums in 2018\" width=\"300\" height=\"173\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-38212\" src=\"https:\/\/chessinslumsafrica.com\/our-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_2936-196x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"196\" height=\"300\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-38213\" src=\"https:\/\/chessinslumsafrica.com\/our-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_2776-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-38225\" src=\"https:\/\/chessinslumsafrica.com\/our-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_2664-1-1-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" \/><\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"3925\" data-end=\"3954\"><\/h3>\n<h3 data-start=\"3925\" data-end=\"3954\"><\/h3>\n<h3 data-start=\"3925\" data-end=\"3954\">A New Chapter for Obanliku<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3956\" data-end=\"4240\">\u00a0\u00a0<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-38221 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/chessinslumsafrica.com\/our-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_2734-300x179.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"179\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-38223 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/chessinslumsafrica.com\/our-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_3079-1-300x215.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"215\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3956\" data-end=\"4240\">\u00a0Today, Obanliku is rewriting its story. Community leaders, including the <strong data-start=\"4030\" data-end=\"4082\">paramount ruler, clan heads, and women\u2019s leaders<\/strong>, have become advocates for girls\u2019 education and equality. They have publicly denounced the \u201cmoney wife\u201d practice and pledged to protect future generations.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4242\" data-end=\"4412\">What was once a story of exploitation has become one of transformation, proof that when communities unite for change, tradition can evolve toward compassion and progress.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"4414\" data-end=\"4434\"><\/h3>\n<h3 data-start=\"4414\" data-end=\"4434\">Changing the Narrative for Every Girl<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4436\" data-end=\"4664\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-38208 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/chessinslumsafrica.com\/our-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/CISA-2-169x300.jpg\" alt=\"Chess in Slums Africa\" width=\"213\" height=\"378\" \/>On this <strong data-start=\"4444\" data-end=\"4488\">International Day of the Girl Child 2025<\/strong>, we celebrate the courage of every girl who dares to dream beyond her circumstances, every woman who continues to heal, and every community that chooses change over silence.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4666\" data-end=\"4849\">\u2655\u00a0 \u00a0 To the girls of Becheve: your voices matter.<br data-start=\"4710\" data-end=\"4713\" \/>\u2655\u00a0 \u00a0To every girl on the frontline of crisis: your dreams are valid.<br data-start=\"4777\" data-end=\"4780\" \/>\u2655\u00a0 \u00a0To everyone reading this: your support makes transformation possible.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5103\" data-end=\"5229\"><strong>You can be part of that story.<\/strong><br data-start=\"5133\" data-end=\"5136\" \/>Partner with us to empower more girls through <strong>education, technology, and the game of chess.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5231\" data-end=\"5420\">\ud83d\udce7 <strong data-start=\"5234\" data-end=\"5252\">Contact us at:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"5231\" data-end=\"5420\"><a class=\"decorated-link cursor-pointer\" href=\"mailto:partnerships@chessinslumsafrica.com\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"5253\" data-end=\"5334\">partnerships@chessinslumsafrica.com<\/a><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5231\" data-end=\"5420\"><a href=\"mailto:scholarships@chessinslumsafrica.com\">scholarships@chessinslumsafrica.com<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\ud83c\udf0d <strong data-start=\"5340\" data-end=\"5355\">Learn more:<\/strong> <a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.chessinslumsafrica.com\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"5356\" data-end=\"5420\">www.chessinslumsafrica.com<\/a><\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"5422\" data-end=\"5516\">Because when a girl learns to move like a queen, she changes the game,\u00a0 and the world follows.<\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-38226 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/chessinslumsafrica.com\/our-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Happy-International-Day-of-the-Girl-Child-240x300.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"460\" height=\"575\" srcset=\"https:\/\/chessinslumsafrica.com\/our-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Happy-International-Day-of-the-Girl-Child-240x300.jpeg 240w, https:\/\/chessinslumsafrica.com\/our-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Happy-International-Day-of-the-Girl-Child-819x1024.jpeg 819w, https:\/\/chessinslumsafrica.com\/our-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Happy-International-Day-of-the-Girl-Child-768x960.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/chessinslumsafrica.com\/our-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Happy-International-Day-of-the-Girl-Child.jpeg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px\" \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Each year on October 11, the world observes the International Day of the Girl Child to honor the strength, potential, and dreams of girls everywhere. The 2025 theme, \u201cGirls on the Frontline of Crisis,\u201d highlights the reality that in times of poverty, conflict, or cultural injustice, girls are often the most affected. Yet, when empowered, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":38209,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"page_builder":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-38200","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-our-stories"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chessinslumsafrica.com\/our-stories\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38200","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chessinslumsafrica.com\/our-stories\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chessinslumsafrica.com\/our-stories\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chessinslumsafrica.com\/our-stories\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chessinslumsafrica.com\/our-stories\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=38200"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/chessinslumsafrica.com\/our-stories\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38200\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chessinslumsafrica.com\/our-stories\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/38209"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chessinslumsafrica.com\/our-stories\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=38200"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chessinslumsafrica.com\/our-stories\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=38200"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chessinslumsafrica.com\/our-stories\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=38200"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}