The African Women Mentoring and Inspiring Initiative (AWMII), in collaboration with Donna Stallings Ministries, celebrated the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child by launching impactful outreach programs across four communities in Nigeria and Uganda. Under the theme “Girls: Vision for the Future,” the initiative commenced with a pre-celebration event on September 13th, 2024, setting the stage for broader efforts to address period poverty and empower young girls.
In Rivers State, Nigeria, AWMII reached 213 girls at Community Secondary School, Amadi Ama, providing them with menstrual hygiene products and engaging them in discussions on personal hygiene, body care, career development, and building healthy relationships. The intervention aimed to meet immediate needs while fostering a supportive environment where the girls felt encouraged and valued.
The primary events took place in three additional locations: Akwete in Abia State, Utu Etim-Ekpo in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria, and Kween District in Uganda’s Elgon Region. These outreach activities focused on empowering young girls through education, mentorship, and health awareness, all while promoting a vision of a more promising future.
At Rumueme Girls College, over 500 girls received menstrual hygiene products and vital information on personal care, emphasizing the importance of hygiene and self-confidence.
Through these efforts, AWMII and its partners aim to combat period poverty while uplifting African girls by providing the tools and support necessary for their growth and success.
Interactive sessions and empowerment talks from the AWMII
The outreach sessions were described as both impactful and transformative, with participants actively engaging in discussions on vital topics such as menstrual hygiene, self-care, resilience, and fostering a growth mindset. Through interactive conversations and practical activities, attendees gained essential skills and knowledge to better navigate personal challenges and pursue their goals with determination and confidence.
According to a report by ICC News, over 3,000 sanitary pads were distributed during the initiative, leaving the girls not only prepared but also motivated. The overwhelming support and care demonstrated during these events reinforced the message that the well-being and aspirations of these girls are deeply valued. The initiative highlighted the power of community and mentorship in shaping the futures of these young women, empowering them to become future leaders and agents of change.
Speaking to reporters, Dr. Nissi Ikenna-Amadi emphasized AWMII’s focus on reaching underserved schools with limited access to urban resources. Despite logistical challenges, the organization successfully visited schools in Akwete, Utu-Etim Ekpo, and Kween District in Uganda. Students at these locations, particularly at the often overlooked school in Akwete, expressed excitement and gratitude for the initiative’s efforts.
The overwhelming positivity and impact of the engagements have spotlighted the urgent need for greater support in underserved schools. Dr. Nissi further reflected on the challenging conditions faced by many schools in Nigeria, reinforcing AWMII’s commitment to advocating for increased government and individual contributions to uplift schools across Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
Over 5500 girls across the five communities, four in Nigeria and one in Uganda, have been provided with menstrual hygiene supplies, marking a significant step towards empowering and supporting the well-being of young girls in these regions.