11/10/2026
HAPPY INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD!
Every girl deserves to dream, to learn, to be heard, and to have the opportunity to become everything she hopes to be. Her future should not be cut short by child marriage, limited opportunities, or a society that fails to protect her rights.
This is why, at Ladies With Stories with Racheal Kay (LAWS), we believe that investing in girls is not just about talking about their future. It is about equipping them with the knowledge, skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to build it.
On Saturday, 10th October, we celebrated the International Day of the Girl Child with 85 students from four schools in Kaduna State: St. Stephen Comprehensive School, Sabo; Government Secondary School, Sabon Tasha; Government Secondary School, Ungwan Boro; and Government Girls Secondary School, Barnawa. It was a beautiful day of learning, sharing, creativity, and empowerment!
With this year's theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls' Rights,” we created a space where the girls could learn, ask questions, express themselves, discover new skills, and think about the future they want for themselves.
We began with a keynote address by Precious Akhilorme, who spoke about ending child marriage, investing in girls' rights, and the importance of developing soft skills. Samantha Umar led a session on girls' education, reminding the girls of the importance of education in shaping their future. Ruth Kasham Abel also enlightened the girls on their rights and the importance of knowing, understanding, and standing up for them.
But we didn't stop at conversations! We wanted the girls to leave with practical knowledge they could use in their everyday lives.
Enyo Usman led a session on menstrual hygiene, helping the girls understand the importance of taking care of their menstrual health. The learning continued with her team from Blossomine Foundation, who taught the girls how to make reusable sanitary pads. It was an opportunity to learn a practical skill while having meaningful conversations about menstrual health.
And because we believe girls should have opportunities to explore their creativity and develop skills beyond the classroom, we had exciting skills acquisition sessions too!
Mary Dogara taught the girls how to bake cakes, while Emmanuella Usman Okpapi taught them how to make journals using Ankara fabric. From menstrual hygiene to baking and creative journal-making, the girls had the opportunity to learn skills they could continue practising long after the event.
We also had spoken word, interactive games, school presentations, breakout sessions, a dance competition, and our vision wall activity, where the girls had time to reflect on their dreams and aspirations.
Seeing them participate, interact with one another, and explore new possibilities was a beautiful reminder of why this work matters.
To every speaker, facilitator, school, volunteer, and partner who contributed to making this day possible, THANK YOU! Your time, knowledge, and support helped us create a meaningful experience for these girls.
At Ladies With Stories, we know that one event cannot solve every challenge girls face. Many girls still need access to quality education, menstrual health resources, mentorship, skills training, and safe spaces where they can learn and grow.
That is why we need more partners, organisations, and individuals to join us. We need support and funding to expand our activities, reach more girls, and bring our vision to life.
UNICEF UNFPA Malala Fund The Governor of Kaduna State we invite you to join us in creating more opportunities for girls to learn, grow, discover their potential, and build the futures they deserve.
Because investing in girls means investing in their education, their health, their safety, their rights, and their dreams.
At Ladies With Stories, we will keep showing up for women and girls, creating opportunities for their voices to be heard and their potential to be realised.
Every girl matters. Every girl's future matters. And every girl deserves a chance to thrive.
Happy International Day of the Girl Child!
