ActionAid as part of its programmes in commemorating the International Day of the Girl, which is globally celebrated annually on the 11th of October, has spoken about some of the impacts it has made in addressing the unique challenges that girls face, such as providing sanitary and dignity kits, a Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) center and other collaborations in the works, to address
Andrew Mamedu, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, made this disclosure at a press conference to celebrate the 2024 International day of the girl, held on friday, 11th October, at ActionAid Nigeria office, Abuja.
Andrew Mamedu, in his welcome address expressed his deepest gratitude to everyone present and girls across Nigeria, stating, that the theme, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” could not be more fitting, as it serves as a powerful reminder that girls are not just passive recipients of change, they are the architects of a better, more equitable tomorrow.
In his words, “As we celebrate today, we must also acknowledge the harsh realities that too many girls in Nigeria still face. Despite progress, many of our girls remain burdened by issues like early marriage, gender-based violence, lack of access to quality education, and the societal norms that continually attempt to silence their voices.
“In Northern Nigeria, for instance, only 47% of girls attend school in some areas, while issues such as child marriage and teenage pregnancy persist at alarming rates.
“We know that girls are disproportionately affected by crises, often being the first to feel the impact of economic insecurity, violence, and systemic exclusion. But it is essential to remind ourselves that these girls are not victims in need of rescue, they are and always have been powerful agents of change.
we believe in the immense power of girls’ voices, perspectives, and experiences. Through initiatives like our girl-led research in communities across Jigawa and Abuja, we have seen first-hand how girls are confronting the issues that affect them, from menstrual health and hygiene to safety from violence. These girls are not just identifying the problems they are leading the way in developing solutions. They are holding up a mirror to society, exposing its failures, and demanding their rightful place at decision-making tables.
Speaking further, Andrew Mamedu spoke on some of the collaborations in ground to provide sanitary pads for women and girls.
“We are running huge campaigns, we have projects where we provide pads and in the north east, we have sanitary and dignity kits which we provide to women and girls.
“But it does not take away the primary responsibility, one policy of government will dwarf every work that all the NGOs are doing as regard to sanitary towels, if the government comes out today and removes all forms of taxation, including import tax and levis from pad, the price will crash maybe by 30% or 40%, so those are the kind of actions we are looking for.
“Actionaid about 6 or 7 months ago commissioned a Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) center in Abuja and we are running treatment for girls, young ladies that have gotten tear and most as a result of child marriage.
“So, in this International Day of the Girl, we are not just celebrating the challenges that girls have overcome, but we are also celebrating their resilience, their vision, and their determination to create a future that is safe, just, and filled with opportunities. From standing up for their right to education to pushing back against harmful stereotypes, girls are challenging the systems that limit them.
“We must push for policies that prioritize girls’ education, protect them from violence, and ensure they have equal access to resources and opportunities. And we must commit to creating spaces where girls can share their vision, and where we can work alongside them to bring that vision to life.
“Let’s be clear; the future girls envision is a future that will benefit us all, a future where girls are empowered to lead, innovate, and thrive. And it is our responsibility to support them in achieving that.
“As we move forward today and beyond, let us all commit to amplifying girls’ voices and working tirelessly to bring their vision of a better world into reality. Because when we invest in girls, we invest in the future.
Speaking, Favour Usman a girl researcher, said, “i thank you for being here today as we celebrate the International Day of the Girl. Our theme today, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” speaks not just to a dream but to our reality as young girls who want to be heard, to lead, and to create the changes we need in our communities and our country. It’s about imagining a future where girls are safe, empowered, and free to reach our full potential.
Over the past few months, we’ve had conversations with girls, boys, men, and women across Jigawa and Abuja to understand the issues that affect girls. Together, we discovered that:
Girls’ Issues are not prioritised: Shockingly, so many people in our communities did not see that girls are worthy of having issues. And when we talk about the issues, they don’t believe they are important. Issues such as early marriage, lack of education, and menstrual health challenges are not considered as anything
We also face so many issues as we go through our periods: Many girls struggle with managing their periods because of how expensive sanitary pads are. Some girls wear clothes or diapers because they cannot afford pads. This lack of access not only affects their health but also keeps them out of school.
We observed that both the adolescent boys and elderly women and men within the community share similar views about the use of digital devices by girls. “If you give girls phone dem go quick spoil” – that is what one boy said. But we use phones for communications and online learning.
On this International day of the girls, we would like to share a glimpse of a future that we desire, we have ideas for change; Early marriage must be criminalized: Educating girls is non-negotiable: Support Menstrual Health: End Gender-Based Violence.
“As we celebrate the International Day of the Girl, I stand here not only as a girl, but as a researcher, an advocate, and a leader. We have the power to transform our futures, but we cannot do it alone. We need everyone; families, community leaders, governments, and organizations like ActionAid Nigeria to stand with us. Let us work together to create a future where every girl in Nigeria can dream, learn, and live free from fear and discrimination.”
Also present at the event was Amina Adamu, Impact assessment and shared learning specialist, Niri Goyit Women’s Right Manager and many others.