Stand With A Girl Initiative

24/09/2026

The room may have emptied, but the work does not end when the convening does.

Across two days, ideas were exchanged, questions were raised and commitments took shape. Now, we are noting some of the messages we are carrying forward; giving young people real decision-making power, investing in solutions that work, designing for inclusion, strengthening partnerships and turning commitments into action.

Swipe through for the takeaways we are not leaving behind. Which of this resonates with you, let us hear your thoughts in the comment section.

23/09/2026

22/09/2026

What can we do differently to create better opportunities for young people?

The Partners’ Innovation Showcase brought Education as a Vaccine, HACEY, Deaf Women Aloud Initiative, Deserve International, and Strong Enough Girls Empowerment Initiative to the room to share their ideas, experiences and approaches shaping their work.

Each presentation offered a different lens on what it takes to design solutions that respond to real needs. Innovation is not simply about having a new idea, it is about making the idea useful and making it work for the people it is meant to serve.

21/09/2026

The Partners’ Innovative Showcase at the Regional Youth Convening spotlighted solutions, approaches and innovations by different organisations in shaping the future of adolescent health and development across West and Central Africa.

Representatives from Society for Family Health, Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria and Stand With A Girl Initiative shared what they are testing, building and taking forward, showing what becomes possible when innovation meets collaboration.

Different organisations, Different approaches, One shared ambition: making solutions work for young people.

21/09/2026

20/09/2026

When we work together, we achieve more.

The Regional Youth Convening was the result of strong collaboration across government, UN agencies, development partners, young people and the private sector.

To every partner who made this possible, thank you for your commitment to the planning and delivery of RYC 2026.

We appreciate your investment and dedication.

SWAG Initiative remains committed to working across sectors, generations and communities, sharing knowledge, resources and decision-making power to deliver stronger, more sustainable solutions for young people.

20/09/2026

Thank you.

The two-day Regional Youth Convening was successful because of you, delegates in the room, online delegates from across Africa, young people at watch parties, stakeholders, and all partners.

From this Convening, we move from participation to partnership, from policy to implementation, and from ideas to investment and scale.

We will advance youth leadership in decision-making, invest in solutions that work for young people, build inclusive systems, and deliver on our commitments.

Stay tuned for more updates.

20/09/2026

Dr Niyi Ojuolape has been more than a Board Chair at Stand With A Girl Initiative, he has been a true leader in every sense of the word.

At the Regional Youth Convening, he was honoured with an Award of Recognition for his impact and outstanding contribution as a speaker at the NEXTGEN@SWAG Regional Academy.

Thank you for your solid leadership and for your continued partnership.

Congratulations, sir.



Margaret Bolaji-Adegbola

19/09/2026

We Are in the News!

At the Regional Youth Convening 2026, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, ably represented by Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, officially declared the convening open.

Hear what stakeholders had to say at RYC 2026 and share with us your key takeaway from the convening, whether you joined online or in person.

19/09/2026

Celebrating an Exceptional Leader.

Ms. Muriel Maf is truly deserving of every accolade. A leader who does not just lead, but teaches while leading.

At the Regional Youth Convening 2026, Ms. Muriel Mafico, Resident Representative of UNFPA Nigeria, was presented with an Award of Recognition by SWAG Initiative in appreciation of her contribution as a Speaker at the NEXTGEN@SWAG Regional Academy and continued support.

The award was presented in deep admiration of her transformational leadership and continued partnership.

This recognition also coincides with her 1st Anniversary as Resident Representative of UNFPA Nigeria.

Congratulations, ma’am, and thank you for your inspiring leadership.