AHF Nigeria announces event to inspire future women leaders

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria has announced that there will be a special event at Keffi, Nasarawa State, on Monday, October 14, to inspire future women leaders in commemoration of the International Day of the Girl (IDG) 2024.

The foundation, in a statement on Thursday, said the event will help to amplify the voices and visions of girls as well as young women while advocating for comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) and supportive policies around gender-based Violence (GBV).

AHF said IDG is observed annually on October 11 and it is always used to inspire future women leaders to embrace good health.

“Advocates will address issues around gender-based violence, menstrual health management, and age-appropriate comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) and reinforce the importance of girls staying in school, avoiding unplanned pregnancy, building life skills, and other vital issues affecting their health,” AHF said.

AHF Nigeria said the International Day of the Girl event will bring together out-of-school girls from Garaku, Sabongida, and Jigwada to join students from high schools in Keffi in a public ceremony to commemorate the day of the girl.

AHF said it had brought together peer leaders from these communities for a pre-event orientation on GBV, menstrual health, and building life skills.

“There would be an educative session on GBV and menstrual health management with free distribution of sanitary pads with traditional dancers on hand to provide entertainment,” AHF said.

In Abuja and Benue, AHF Girls Act members will be involved in community advocacies to commemorate the Day of the Girl and shall host a virtual session to look at the challenges facing girls with a dedicated podcast also reviewing these issues.

“The unique way to empower our girls today, is for us as a people to commit to breaking down gender stereotypes, which drives the violence women and girls go through in our society,” said AHF Nigeria Country Programme Director, Dr. Echey Ijezie.

“For a start, we must ensure we expand the access that girls have to education, provide comprehensive healthcare, empower them economically, and ensure that girls have a voice and a sit at the table where decisions about their wellbeing are being made.”

AHF Nigeria added that its IDG events have promoted comprehensive sexuality education and gender equality, raised awareness, and helped girls live healthier and more empowered lives.