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A lawyer, Nneamaka Onyema, has called for collective action to help young girls overcome barriers that threaten their confidence, education and wellbeing. In commemoration of the 2025 International Day of the Girl-Child, Embracing the Girl-Child Initiative, in partnership with her law firm LinkedLegal Attorneys, held an impactful outreach at Government Secondary School, Karshi, Abuja, reaching more than 1,000 girls with education, mentorship, and menstrual health support. The event, with the theme: “Your Confidence Begins with Care,” focused on empowering young girls through education, self-awareness, and advocacy for menstrual health and gender equality. Onyema, Founder of Embracing the Girl-Child Initiative, said the outreach was part of a sustained effort to break barriers affecting girls’ confidence, education, and well-being. She noted that many Nigerian girls miss school monthly due to lack of access to sanitary products, limited menstrual education, and the stigma surrounding puberty — factors that hinder academic progress and self-esteem. “Empowerment starts with education. Teaching girls about periods helps them speak up, make informed choices, and challenge stigma,” Onyema said. The event opened with prayers and a welcome address by the school Principal, who commended the organisers for their timely intervention in supporting adolescent girls. A medical laboratory scientist, Chisom Frances Okechukwu, delivered the first presentation on Puberty and Menstrual Hygiene. She explained the physical and emotional changes during adolescence and taught proper hygiene practices. She urged the students to embrace their development with confidence and self-respect. The second session, led by Priscilla Canice-Obi, Founder and CEO of Nature First, focused on Career and Entrepreneurship. She encouraged the girls to dream big, nurture their talents, and start building a sense of purpose early. Read Also: Dear Mr. President, please do not let this 15% import tariff punish Nigerians again “You don’t have to wait to be grown before you start making an impact,” she told the participants. The outreach also featured an interactive session where students asked questions about hygiene, self-esteem, and career goals. Each girl received a free pack of sanitary pads — a gesture that reinforced the programme’s message of empowerment through action. In closing, Onyema reiterated the Initiative’s call to parents, communities, and policymakers to invest in girls’ education and wellbeing. “When we support the girl-child, we strengthen families, communities, and the nation,” she said. The event ended with a lively photo session and renewed commitment to building a future where every girl can thrive with dignity, confidence, and equal opportunity.
