…unveils Akpajima magazine
Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Women Affairs recently organised an Interactive Session between girls and policy and decision-makers. The Healthy African Girl Foundation was privileged to support the organisation of this programme alongside United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Nigeria, Save the Children International Nigeria, and other partners.
One of The Healthy African Girl Foundation Ambassadors, 17-year-old Divine, moderated the interactive session segment of this programme. Policy and Decision makers present at the event to respond to the questions from the girls include Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Minister of Women Affairs, Barr. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, wife of the Senate President, Mrs. Ekaette Akpabio, wife of the Chief of Staff, Mrs. Salamatu Gbajabiamila among other dignitaries.
During the session, the girls expressed their concerns about period poverty, early child marriage, gender-based violence and so much more. While responding to the girls’ questions, Kennedy-Ohanenye said that plans are underway to facilitate local production of reusable sanitary products as a strategy for eliminating period poverty.
Senator Tinubu said that providing alternative high schools to help girls who dropped out of school due to pregnancy and other reasons have another chance at education is a strategy that has worked in Lagos and which can be replicated. It was a great opportunity given girls to raise their voices and dialogue with key officials in the country.
In addition to the interactive session, the foundation also launched the maiden edition of its magazine, ‘Akpajima’, which means “tall, beautiful girl.” The special International Day of the Girl edition, subtitled “Give the Girl a Voice,” is a compilation of stories, essays, and poems written by girls between the ages of 10 and 16 about the importance of empowering girls.
According to the Convener of The Healthy African Girl Foundation, Dr. Chinekwu Oreh, the Foundation was created to empower girls to become the best versions of themselves so they can impact their world and give glory to God.
She noted the girls’ boldness and confidence during the interactive session with dignitaries and the quality of their stories, poems, and insightful essays in the Akpajima magazine, which demonstrates their enormous potential.
The Healthy African Girl Foundation advocates for peer-led interventions for girls and regularly organises training programmes on leadership, character, and sexual and reproductive health for them. These pieces of training help girls develop the skills and knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their lives and to become leaders in their communities. The Foundation has developed various resources that parents, caregivers, and schools can use to empower girls to realise their full potential and take their place in all spheres of influence.
The Healthy African Girl Foundation champions peer-led interventions for girls and regularly organises training programmes on leadership, character, and sexual and reproductive health for them.
The Foundation has developed several resources that parents, caregivers, and schools can use to support the girls in their development and create an environment that will help girls thrive. The vision and mission of the Foundation align with the theme of the 2023 International Day of the Girl which is Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being.
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