In celebration of the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child, the Hope For African Children (HFAC), a Non-Governmental Organisation, empowered over 500 girls in Enugu State with vital skills aimed at fostering leadership and self-development. The event, tagged the "Girls Dare to Lead Summit," was organized on Friday to provide young girls with tools to realize their full potential.
Noel Alumona, the Founder and CEO of HFAC, addressed the participants, highlighting the summit’s focus on celebrating the resilience and determination of young girls. He emphasized HFAC’s goal of equipping these girls with the necessary resources to succeed and become future leaders. Alumona, a United Nations-recognized Nigerian, underscored the importance of inclusive education and equal opportunities for all, particularly girls and young people with disabilities.
He also announced the launch of the Girls Innovate Prize, a competition aimed at encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and leadership among the girls. The initiative challenges them to identify issues within their schools and communities and to devise innovative solutions. Additionally, Alumona introduced the Girls Dare to Lead Bootcamp, a leadership development program that aims to inspire young girls to see themselves as leaders and make a positive impact in their communities.
A key highlight of the summit was the introduction of The PadHER Project, which addresses the issue of period poverty. Alumona revealed that millions of Nigerian girls miss school every month due to a lack of access to sanitary pads. The project advocates for government intervention to provide free sanitary pads and establish safe spaces for girls in schools. "By ensuring that girls have access to menstrual hygiene products, we are helping them stay in school and continue their education without fear of being stained," Alumona said, urging the government, particularly in Enugu State, to prioritize the needs of the girl child.
Speaking at the event, the Enugu State Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, Ngozi Enih, encouraged the girls to raise their voices, embrace their uniqueness, and stay true to their aspirations. She urged them to resist societal pressures such as premarital sex, early marriage, and cultism, which could hinder their potential.
One of the participants, Angel Okwudili, a student from Raymond College Abakpa, expressed her enthusiasm about the program, stating, "I learned that as a girl, I should not miss school because of my period."
The summit serves as a powerful reminder of the potential of young girls to lead and transform their communities when given the right support and opportunities. HFAC continues to champion initiatives aimed at uplifting the girl child and ensuring a brighter future for them in Nigeria.
