From Sunday Ani, Owerri
To mark the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child, a community-based initiative, ProtectHer, in partnership with iSafe, Bravery Lab, Women Build Wealth and Apex Group Solutions Foundation, has organised a two-day mentorship and safety programme for 100 girls in Lagos.
The programme, held on October 10 and 11, at Girls Senior Academy, Lagos Island, had about 100 girls from the school that participated in the event, which included mentorship, book reading and distribution of health and educational materials.
The gift materials ranged from copies of a book, “Broken Promises,” to personal hygiene kits such as reusable bags, sanitary pads, water bottles, face towels, powdered detergent, bathing soap and deodorant, all aimed at fostering the girls’ confidence in taking care of their personal hygiene and well-being.
They were equally given journals that contained motivational quotes, advice on setting smart goals, and reflections on love and dreams.
In her introductory remarks, the programme manager, ProtectHer, Patricia Njoku, emphasised the significance of collective efforts and partnerships as demonstrated by the organisations, stressing that they make impactful changes in the lives of young women.
She noted that each partner organisation ensured that the gifts served as both practical resources and symbolic reminders that the students were supported and valued by their community.
In her remarks, the co-founder of ProtectHer, Mrs. Amaka Nneji, said the organisation’s mission was to promote awareness of personal safety and health as well as empower women and young girls. She reiterated the organisation’s commitment to creating safe spaces for girls to thrive in schools and their personal lives.
Different speakers from the partner organisations encouraged the girls to recognise their potential and leadership, even as they harped on the importance of education, self-awareness, and personal growth. Mrs. Nneji from ProtectHer, Bolatito Daramola from The Bravery Lab, Dr. Oyindamola Ijewere from Apex Solutions Foundation, and Temitope Ajao from Women Build Wealth all reminded the girls that their voices, talents and contributions to the world were invaluable, and as such they should always listen to their teachers and parents for proper guidance and direction.
The event also witnessed a reading session featuring Dr. Ijewere’s book, titled, “Broken Promises.” Ijewere, who spoke passionately about the importance of addressing social issues such as human trafficking and the need for girls to stay informed and empowered, equally engaged the students in a live reading of select passages from the book, sharing key themes that resonated with the students’ experiences and aspirations.
After the reading session, she signed 100 copies of the book and personally addressed a copy to every student. This personal touch conveyed her support for the girls and her desire to inspire them to remain vigilant and conscious of critical issues such as human trafficking. Her interaction with the students underscored her commitment to helping them understand the realities of their world while empowering them to make positive choices.
The event saw teachers and school workers receive gifts in recognition of the invaluable roles they play in shaping the minds and lives of young girls. Twenty-five bags were distributed to the school’s principal, vice principal, teaching and non-teaching staff. The bags, provided by Apex Solutions Foundation, contained essential food materials such as spices, salt, pasta and semovita as a token of appreciation for their dedication to the students’ growth and education.
Some of the girls were also selected and trained in basic ways of self-defence against vulnerable situations, such as sudden attacks from the front, back and sides. They were also trained to defend themselves against sexual violence, how to free themselves from strong grips and basic kicks. They were advised not to misuse the skills to bully or disrespect people, and also reminded that self-defence skills could only be utilised where they are not able to escape or get other help.
However, Mrs Nneji noted that the celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child was not just an event, but a vital step towards raising awareness and fostering a supportive environment for young girls. “Throughout the programme, we engaged the girls in various activities that emphasised the importance of education, health and empowerment, highlighting the unique challenges faced by girls in our society. The discussions led by educators provided valuable insights into the barriers that limit girls from achieving their full potential, such as cultural stereotypes, and limited access to resources.
“It served as a platform for the girls to express their thoughts and share personal experiences, which not only encouraged empathy but also strengthened the communities’ commitment to gender equality. By showcasing the talents and aspirations of the young girls, we inspired hope and motivation, reinforcing the idea that every girl has the right to pursue her dreams without limitations,” she said.