The Girl Child Workshop

FAME Foundation, in partnership with Laureus Sport for Good, organized Girl Child Workshop on October 11, 2024, at LEA Primary School in Jabi, Abuja, to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child. The event brought together 100 girls from various LEA schools to discuss the challenges they encounter, such as gender discrimination and inequality, while advocating for their rights and promoting empowerment in education, health, and social participation.

The workshop featured Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, Executive Director of FAME Foundation, who delivered a presentation titled “How Can Girls Change the World: What Does Leadership Mean?” In her talk, Arabinrin Aderonke emphasized the importance of leadership development for young girls, highlighting how they can become agents of change in their communities.

Arabinrin Aderonke began by discussing the various forms of leadership, encouraging the girls to see leadership as a mindset rather than just a title. She stressed that effective leaders possess qualities such as empathy, resilience, and the ability to inspire others. To illustrate her points, she shared inspiring stories of notable female leaders, including Funmilayo Ransom Kuti, a pioneering activist who fought for women’s rights and social justice in Nigeria. Aderonke highlighted her tireless efforts to advocate for women’s education and her role in establishing the first women’s group in Nigeria, which focused on addressing issues affecting women and children.

Arabinrin Aderonke also spoke about Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, a prominent political figure who has made contributions to women’s empowerment and education. She discussed Sen. Tinubu’s advocacy for policies that support girls’ education and her initiatives aimed at improving the lives of women in Nigeria. Additionally, she shared the story of Ameyo Adadevoh, a trailblazer in the healthcare sector who is credited with having curbed a wider spread of the Western African Ebola virus epidemic in Nigeria. Arabinrin Aderonke described Adadevoh’s commitment to community health and her efforts in healthcare reform have positively saved countless lives.

Throughout her presentation, Arabinrin Aderonke engaged the girls with thought-provoking questions, prompting them to reflect on their leadership qualities and aspirations. She encouraged them to consider how they can contribute to their communities, no matter how small the action may seem. The participants were invited to share their thoughts and experiences, creating an interactive atmosphere.

Arabinrin Aderonke’s storytelling resonated deeply with the girls, many of whom expressed confidence in their abilities to lead and make a difference. This aspect of the workshop highlighted not only the importance of self-belief but also the role of female leadership in breaking down barriers that hinder progress.

The second speaker, Ms. Linda Bassey, addressed the topic of healthy relationships, focusing on the key traits that differentiate healthy relationships from unhealthy ones. She engaged the girls in a discussion that covered various types of relationships, including friendships and family dynamics.

Ms. Bassey began by outlining the characteristics of healthy relationships, such as trust, respect, communication, and support. She emphasized that in a healthy relationship, individuals feel safe and valued, and they can express their thoughts and feelings openly without fear of judgment. In contrast, she highlighted the traits of unhealthy relationships, which may include manipulation, lack of respect, and poor communication, often leading to feelings of anxiety and insecurity.

To make the topic more relatable, Ms. Bassey introduced role-playing scenarios where the participants could practice setting boundaries. She encouraged the girls to think about situations they might encounter in their daily lives, such as dealing with peer pressure or navigating disagreements with friends or family.

Throughout the session, Ms. Bassey fostered an open dialogue, inviting the participants to share their own experiences and concerns regarding relationships. This interaction not only deepened their understanding of the topic but also created a supportive environment where the girls felt comfortable discussing sensitive issues.

As the session progressed, Ms. Bassey reinforced the idea that setting boundaries is a vital skill in maintaining healthy relationships. She provided tips on how to communicate boundaries clearly and respectfully, emphasizing that doing so is essential for self-care and mutual respect.

An interactive session followed the sessions, providing the girls with an opportunity to ask questions and share their thoughts in a supportive environment. This exchange was not only encouraged by the speakers but also fostered a sense of community among the participants, allowing them to connect on a deeper level.

During this session, the girls eagerly posed questions about the topics discussed, seeking clarification on aspects of leadership and healthy relationships. They shared personal experiences, reflecting on their challenges and triumphs. This dialogue allowed them to learn from one another, as many found comfort in realizing that they were not alone in their struggles. Participants exchanged ideas about how to apply the lessons learned in their daily lives, discussing ways to support one another in their journeys.

As the workshop concluded, the girls left with practical tools and insights to navigate their personal and professional lives. They were encouraged to embrace their individuality, cultivate healthy relationships, and step into leadership roles within their communities.

The overall atmosphere of the workshop was one of empowerment and encouragement, underscoring the significance of the International Day of the Girl Child and leaving a lasting impact on all participants.