As part of the Safe School Response Initiative in Ekiti State, a non-governmental organization, The Shero Impact, in collaboration with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has extended its female empowerment and advocacy campaign to selected public and private secondary schools in the state.
The initiative focuses on menstrual hygiene, sex education, and maintaining healthy relationships among students.
The awareness campaign was taken to Government Special School for the Blind, Ikere-Ekiti, Success Galore Private School, Ikere-Ekiti, and Government Science College, Iyin-Ekiti. The program aimed at equipping female students with essential knowledge to build self-confidence, develop a strong sense of purpose, and make informed decisions about their well-being and future aspirations.
At the Government Special School for the Blind, Ikere-Ekiti, the convener of The Shero Impact, Mrs. Idiat Sunmbo Ola-Popoola, represented by the Project Manager, Mrs. Adebayo, explained that the initiative was designed to empower the girl child. She emphasized the need for self-confidence and personal growth, urging the students to embrace education as a tool for success.
Addressing the students on the importance of menstrual hygiene, sex education, and fostering healthy relationships, the representatives of The Shero Impact stressed the need for personal discipline and self-awareness. They noted that equipping young girls with adequate knowledge on these topics would help them navigate adolescence safely.
The NSCDC Desk Officer, DSP Modupe Adeyemo, led a special session with the students, advising them to avoid premarital sex and other activities that could jeopardize their future. She highlighted the dangers of early pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, urging the girls to prioritize their education and personal development.
Adeyemo also emphasized the importance of personal and menstrual hygiene, particularly during puberty. She educated the students on best practices for maintaining cleanliness, stressing that good hygiene contributes to overall well-being and self-esteem.
At Success Galore Private School, Ikere-Ekiti, and Government Science College, Iyin-Ekiti, the students were given extensive lectures on self-esteem, resilience, and the pursuit of their dreams despite societal challenges. The facilitators encouraged them to remain focused and to see education as a pathway to success.
The students in all three schools expressed gratitude to The Shero Impact and the NSCDC for the enlightening sessions. Many pledged to apply the knowledge gained, emphasizing that the lessons had changed their perspective on personal hygiene and relationships.
School principals also commended the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful. They praised the commitment of The Shero Impact and the NSCDC to the well-being of female students and urged for sustained efforts in this direction.
One of the principals noted that such programs align with the state government’s broader efforts to promote quality education and student welfare through initiatives like the Adolescent Girls’ Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE).
The event featured the distribution of sanitary pads to all female students in attendance. This gesture was well received, with the girls appreciating The Shero Impact for providing essential hygiene materials to support their well-being.
According to the organizers, the distribution of sanitary pads was aimed at addressing period poverty, a common challenge among young girls, particularly in underserved communities. They stressed that access to menstrual products is crucial for ensuring that girls remain in school during their monthly cycles.
Some female teachers who spoke with our correspondent also lauded the initiative, describing it as a significant step in protecting young girls from harmful societal influences. They urged other organizations to emulate The Shero Impact’s efforts in championing the rights and welfare of the girl child.
The program facilitators reiterated that their advocacy goes beyond just a one-time campaign, adding that they would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to sustain and expand the initiative to more schools in Ekiti State.
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Adebayo assured that The Shero Impact would not relent in its mission to empower young girls. She called on students to remain dedicated to their studies and to apply the lessons learned to make informed life choices.
On her part, DSP Adeyemo reaffirmed NSCDC’s commitment to the Safe School Response Initiative, stating that security agencies play a crucial role in protecting students from all forms of abuse and exploitation.
She noted that education remains a fundamental right of every child, and efforts must be made to create a safe and enabling environment for learning. According to her, addressing gender-related challenges in schools would help improve academic performance and overall student well-being.
Community leaders including the Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti Oba Ajakaiye also commended the initiative, highlighting the need for continuous awareness campaigns to tackle the social and economic barriers faced by young girls. They called for increased collaboration between government agencies and civil society organizations to drive sustainable change.
With the success recorded in the recent outreach, The Shero Impact and NSCDC have pledged to take their empowerment and awareness programs to more schools across the state.
They expressed optimism that such initiatives would contribute to the overall development of young girls in Ekiti and beyond.