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• October 12, 2025

The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Celebrating the Resilience of Nigeria’s Girl Child
This year’s International Day of the Girl Child reminds us of a powerful truth — girls are not
just beneficiaries of change; they are leading it. Across Nigeria, girls are breaking barriers,
demanding inclusion, and shaping their future in the face of adversity.
Yet, millions of girls still face challenges that silence their voices. Early marriage, gender based violence, poor access to education, period poverty, and limited healthcare continue
to threaten their potential. In rural communities, especially, girls are forced to trade dreams
for survival, with many dropping out of school due to poverty or lack of menstrual hygiene
support.
At Zaks Foundation for Humanity (ZFH), we believe in the boundless potential of every girl.
Through our initiatives, we are turning this belief into action:
Feminine Learning Outreach for Wellbeing (FLOW) provides menstrual hygiene education
and sanitary materials to girls in rural schools.
Galvanizing Resources for Educating Adolescents and Teachers (GREAT) improves access
to education by supporting schools and teachers.
Community Health for Adolescents and Reproductive Mothers (CHARM) ensures
adolescent girls and young mothers receive essential health care.
Nutritional Assistance Program (NAP) and SEED support vulnerable girls and women with
food and livelihood training.
We see the courage of the Nigerian girl every day — in her determination to stay in school,
her fight against discrimination, and her ability to dream even when the odds are high.
As the world marks 30 years since the Beijing Declaration, we must renew our commitment
to protecting and empowering the girl child. We call on government, partners, and
communities to join ZFH in creating spaces where girls can lead, learn, and thrive.
Girls are not waiting for change. They are leading it. Let’s stand with them.