By Mohammad Tijjani
The Back to School Educational Initiative (BASEI), in collaboration with the Women & Girls Health Empowerment Network (WGHEN), on Sunday in Kaduna, advocated girls’ rights and well-being.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that they joined the global community to celebrate the International Day of the Girl-child.
The day has as theme: ‘The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis’.
NAN also reports that the event, held at Kaduna metropolis, gathered adolescent girls, educators, community leaders, and advocates to address the critical issues of mental health and education empowerment for girls.
Ms Zainab Umar, Executive Director of WGHEN, delivered the keynote address titled ‘Let’s Talk About Mental Health’.
She emphasised the importance of mental well-being.
Umar said, “Your mind matters. Your feelings matter. You matter,” urging the attendees to prioritise self-care and emotional health.
She highlighted the unique challenges girls face, including societal pressures and limited access to mental health resources and encouraged the participants to embrace vulnerability.
“True strength is knowing when to pause, breathe, and ask for help,” Umar added.
Her massage resonated deeply, inspiring a standing ovation and reinforcing the necessity of open conversations about mental health.
Also, BASEI Rise Up Leader, Mr Ahmadu Shettima, articulated the vital role of education in empowering girls.
He asserted, “When we educate a girl, we educate a generation”, stressing education as a catalyst for freedom, leadership, and gender equality.
Shettima pointed out the significant barriers—such as poverty, early marriage, and insecurity—that millions of Nigerian girls face, calling for collaborative efforts from government, families, and civil society.
“Girls are not asking for privilege; they are asking for opportunities,” he said.
NAN reports that the event was enriched with a panel discussion focusing on girls’ mental health, storytelling sessions from girls sharing their educational challenges, and a mental wellness workshop led by psychologists.
The highlight was the launch of the “Her Mind Matters” Campaign, aimed at promoting girl-centred mental health awareness in schools and communities.
In her closing remarks, Ms Firdausi Abdulmumin, reaffirmed BASEI’s commitment to advancing girls’ rights.
She said: “Our girls are not victims; they are visionaries. When we invest in their education, health, and mental wellness, we invest in the future of our nation.”
The celebration concluded on a positive note with songs, poetry, and a collective pledge: “Every girl counts. Every girl deserves a chance’.
NAN further reports that the event also set a powerful precedent for future actions in empowering girls in Nigeria and beyond. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
