Empowering Voices

On the 11th of October 2024, WRAHI Nigeria transformed Prestige International School of Science and Technology in Makurdi into a vibrant hub of inspiration, empowerment, and education, celebrating the International Day of the Girl Child under the theme "Girls' Vision for the Future." This day was not just an event but a statement of commitment to the rights, education, and empowerment of every girl in Nigeria.

A Day Packed with Empowerment:

The celebration began with an opening ceremony that featured speeches from local leaders, educators, and young female students who shared their dreams and aspirations for the future. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and hope as the girls spoke about their visions for a world where gender does not dictate opportunities or limit potential.

Workshops and Empowerment Sessions:

A series of workshops were organized, each tailored to address different aspects of girl empowerment:

STEM Exploration: In line with this year's theme, a special workshop on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) was conducted. Girls engaged in hands-on activities like coding, robotics, and scientific experiments, led by female professionals in STEM fields. This was aimed at dismantling myths about STEM being a male-dominated field and encouraging girls to pursue these careers.

Leadership and Public Speaking: A session on leadership skills included public speaking, negotiation, and decision-making. Here, girls learned to voice their opinions confidently, which is crucial in a society where they often face silence or secondary roles.

Health and Well-being: Discussions on health rights, menstrual hygiene, and mental health awareness were pivotal. This workshop aimed to empower girls with knowledge about their bodies and mental health, fostering a culture of informed health decisions.

Creative Arts: Recognizing the power of arts in expression, there were sessions in dance, drama, and art where girls could express their visions creatively, showcasing that leadership and innovation can also come from the arts.

Interactive Exhibits and Competitions:

The day featured an exhibition where girls could present projects they had worked on, ranging from environmental solutions to community service ideas. A highlight was the "Future Innovators Competition," where girls pitched ideas for societal improvements, judged by a panel including local business leaders and academics.

Mentorship and Networking:

Networking was a key component, with successful women from various sectors sharing their journeys, offering mentorship, and providing insights into career paths. This not only inspired the girls but also laid the groundwork for future support and guidance.

Closing with a Cultural Celebration:

The event concluded with performances that celebrated Nigerian culture, with a special emphasis on female artists and storytellers. This was a beautiful blend of education and entertainment, leaving everyone with a sense of pride and unity.

Impact and Reflection:

The International Day of the Girl Child celebration at Prestige International School was more than an event; it was a catalyst for change. It highlighted the incredible potential within every girl when they are given the support and platform to thrive. WRAHI Nigeria, through this initiative, underscored its commitment to gender equality, education, and empowering the next generation of female leaders.

Looking Ahead:

As we move forward, the lessons from this day will echo in our efforts to ensure continuous support for girl child education, protection, and empowerment in Nigeria. We encourage schools, communities, and stakeholders to adopt similar initiatives, fostering environments where every girl can envision and work towards a future of equality and opportunity.

Special Thanks:

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Prestige International School of Science and Technology, Makurdi, for hosting this wonderful event, to all the speakers, facilitators, and participants, and especially to the girls whose bright futures we celebrate and support.

Together, we are shaping a world where every girl's vision for the future is not just acknowledged but actively pursued.