As the world marks the International Day of the Girl Child, the Initiative for Girls Rights and Health Development (IGRHD) stands out as a shining example of grassroots impact and commitment to girls’ empowerment. From its base in Ile-Ife, the organization has broadened its reach to Akure, Ibadan, and Lagos, steadily transforming lives and communities across Southwest Nigeria.
Known for its tireless advocacy for girls’ health, rights, and education, IGRHD continues to amplify the voices of young girls and equip them with the tools to make informed choices about their bodies and futures.
In Akure, IGRHD has made remarkable strides through its flagship project, “She Must Know,” which focuses on menstrual hygiene and health education. Under this initiative, no fewer than 600 girls have been directly reached through sensitization programs and interactive sessions designed to demystify menstruation and equip young girls with the knowledge and confidence to manage their menstrual health with dignity.
The “She Must Know” project runs on a powerful mantra which is “If she doesn’t know, how can she decide?” emphasizing that informed girls are empowered girls. This aligns seamlessly with another of IGRHD’s impactful programs, “My Body, My Rules,” which centers on sex education and body autonomy.
Together, these initiatives help dismantle harmful myths, promote healthy behaviors, and nurture a generation of informed, self-assured girls.
In Akure alone, IGRHD has reached students of Igoba High School, Tofas College, Estate High School, Akure High School, Gemmans Group of Schools amongst others. Each outreach session combines education, open dialogue, and practical demonstrations to create safe spaces where girls can learn and ask questions freely.
Beyond Akure, IGRHD’s work in Ibadan and Lagos continues to echo its founding vision — creating a society where girls are not only seen but also heard, informed, and supported.
As the world celebrates the International Day of the Girl Child, IGRHD reaffirms its commitment to breaking barriers, promoting girls’ rights, and ensuring that every girl, regardless of location or background, has access to accurate information, quality health education, and the confidence to make decisions about her life.
With every project and every outreach, IGRHD spreads its tentacles across Nigeria as a beacon of hope proving that with knowledge, advocacy, and compassion, real and lasting change for the girl child is not just possible, but inevitable.
