The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called for increased investment in girls’ education, expansion of adolescent-friendly services, and institutionalization of girls’ participation in policy discussions as part of efforts to advance the rights of women and girls in Nigeria.
UNICEF Adolescent Development Specialist, Ngozi Izuora-Songu, made the call during the “Yes! Girl” Podcast Watch Session held in Kano as part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day.
The session brought together adolescent girls, government partners, civil society organizations (CSOs), and members of the media to listen directly to girls’ voices, reflect on their experiences, and explore solutions aimed at strengthening their rights, wellbeing, and leadership.
According to Izuora-Songu, the event also marked the official launch of the “Yes! Girl” Podcast, a youth-driven digital platform created by adolescent girls for their peers across Nigeria.
She explained that the podcast provides a safe and empowering space for girls aged 9 to 19 to openly discuss issues affecting their lives, including education, mental health, menstrual hygiene, HPV prevention, gender equality, leadership, and climate action.
Izuora-Songu noted that the event also commemorates International Women’s Day 2026 under the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.”
She emphasized that the initiative is significant because it shifts the narrative from talking about girls to listening to girls, giving them the opportunity to share their experiences and perspectives.
According to her, many adolescent girls in Nigeria continue to face barriers such as school dropout, harmful gender norms, early marriage, limited access to health information, and a lack of safe spaces for expression.
She added that digital storytelling platforms like the podcast can help expand access to safe dialogue spaces, particularly in communities where open discussions about girls’ challenges are often limited.
While acknowledging the progress made by the Nigerian government in promoting the rights of women and girls, Izuora-Songu identified three critical areas requiring stronger action: greater investment in girls’ education, expansion of adolescent-friendly services, and institutionalization of girls’ participation in policy discussions.
Some of the adolescent participants who spoke with Radio Nigeria, including Aisha Suraj, Sadiya Shuaibu, Maryam Aminu, and Aisha Ahmed, said the podcast has taught them that success is achievable despite challenges through confidence, self-esteem, and self-respect.
They also noted that the platform encourages girls to share their problems with trusted individuals, helping to reduce emotional burdens.
Some participants expressed concern that many parents do not always listen to their daughters, noting that the podcast would help address challenges faced by adolescent girls by promoting positive values, discouraging negative peer influence, and encouraging dedication to education.
Other participants from civil society organizations and the media also shared their experiences and urged adolescents to become positive ambassadors in their communities, describing the initiative as a call to action to strengthen the rights and opportunities available to girls.
Khadijah Aliyu
