Empowering Adolescent Girls for Peace and Healthy Living in Abuja

Wairimu Mwangi
July 16, 2024
Four children sit holding signs that read,

Nigerian girls show support for the One Family Under God campaign.

On June 15, 2024, the Karu Community Hall in Abuja, Nigeria, was a hub of transformative activities aimed at empowering adolescent girls through education and health promotion. The event, “Empowering Adolescent Girls for Peace and Healthy Living,” was organized by the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nigeria in collaboration with Health Without Borders International (HWBI). It successfully brought together 130 girls aged between 14-25, 50 women, and 10 men from diverse backgrounds, united by a common goal of fostering peace and empowerment.

The program featured interactive sessions aimed at educating girls on the significance of education and proper hygiene practices. The event commenced with registration and the Village Head of Karu delivered a heartfelt welcome address. This was followed by opening remarks from the Director of HWBI, who emphasized the critical role of health and education in the lives of young girls.

The first session, led by Miss Adeyanju Elizabeth, focused on the crucial role of parents in supporting their daughters’ education and well-being. This presentation highlighted the need for parental guidance and emotional support, which are essential for the holistic development of adolescent girls. Parents were encouraged to be active participants in their daughters’ educational journeys, fostering an environment of encouragement and motivation.

A group of adolescent girls in colorful attire exchange items and documents outdoors. One person hands gifts while others observe. Baskets and packages are visible, symbolizing peace and healthy living through communal sharing.

Pauline Ibrahim, executive director of Health without Borders International delivering donated products to girls in Nigeria.

The second session engaged the girls in discussions about the importance of education and maintaining personal hygiene. Nurse Linda and Nurse Suleiman led the interactive session, providing practical guidance on menstrual hygiene management and health awareness. This segment not only educated the girls but also empowered them to make informed decisions about their health.

Rev. John Joseph Hayab, the Country Director of GPF Nigeria, led the third session, which focused on the One Family Under God initiative. This initiative promotes interfaith dialogue and cultural understanding, encouraging collaboration and mutual respect among participants from diverse religious backgrounds. Rev. Hayab’s presentation accentuated the importance of peacebuilding and unity in fostering a supportive environment for girls’ education.

Rev. Hayab’s session was followed by an interactive segment that allowed participants to engage in an open dialogue, asking questions and seeking clarifications. The important session facilitated a deeper understanding of the topics discussed and enabled the participants to voice their concerns and opinions.

Two women stand and speak in front of a

Facilitators deliver a presentation for girls in Nigeria.

The program had a profound impact on the participants and the community at large. Adolescent girls became more aware of the importance of education and healthy living practices, empowering them to make informed decisions about their well-being.

“Now I feel more confident and empowered to make better choices for my future,” shared Rabi Muhammed.

Parents and guardians also gained a deeper understanding of their roles in supporting girls’ education and well-being, leading to increased support and advocacy within families. “As a mother, I learned so much about supporting my daughter’s education. This program has motivated me to be more involved in her schooling and health,” Aisha Haruna remarked.

The program fostered a stronger commitment within the community to promote girl child education and health, creating a supportive environment for young girls’ growth and development. In addition, participants from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds developed greater tolerance and understanding, contributing to enhanced social cohesion and harmony within the community.

A group of women in colorful hijabs sits together, some clapping and smiling, with a banner in the background reading

Girls participating in GPF Nigeria’s healthy living workshop.

“I appreciate the initiative for educating our girls. It’s crucial they receive proper education to become leaders and role models in our community,” stated Mr. Abraham Wadda, a community member.

Participants were also given the opportunity to network and engage in informal interactions, fostering a sense of community and solidarity. The event concluded with the distribution of 200 educational flyers, 130 hygiene kits, and other materials to support ongoing education and health initiatives. By fostering a culture of peace and unity while promoting girls’ education and health, the Karu Girl Child Peace and Education Initiative laid the groundwork for a brighter, more inclusive future for the adolescent girls of the Karu community.

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