‎UNICEF seeks stronger voice for girls amid rising barriers

Disturbed over the persistent barriers facing adolescent girls in Nigeria, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has called for increased support for platforms that amplify their voices and expand opportunities for them

‎Speaking at a programme tagged the YES! GIRL Watch Session, Ngozi Izuora-Songu, the UNICEF Adolescent Development Specialist, Lagos office, highlighted challenges such as limited access to education, harmful gender norms, early marriage and inadequate access to accurate health information affecting girls.

According to her, Nigeria is home to over 40 million adolescents, nearly half of whom are girls, many of whom still face significant barriers that affect their wellbeing.

‎“This session is important because it provides a safe space for girls to connect, speak freely and learn from one another. When girls are given a voice, they do not just speak—they lead, inspire and transform their communities,” she said.

‎Izuora-Songu noted that the engagement would also allow UNICEF to gather feedback from adolescents to improve future programming, including the next season of the YES! GIRL podcast.

She further stressed the need for government and stakeholders to integrate the needs and aspirations of young people into policy planning and budgeting.

Also speaking, Muritala Jimoh, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, commended UNICEF for its continued partnership and urged students to make the most of the opportunity and share knowledge gained with their peers.

Similarly, Roseline Akinlabi, Osun State Adolescent Health Desk Officer, appreciated UNICEF for its sustained support in promoting adolescent development programmes in the State.

‎Ayanwu Esther of Ataoja School of Science, Osogbo, one of the participants, said the programme had strengthened her confidence and understanding of the need to speak up.

‎Esther who cautioned against unrealistic portrayals on social media, added that, “I have learnt that we all have a voice. By speaking up, we can save lives, live better and dream bigger.”

The event featured the screening of selected episodes of the YES! GIRL podcast, including discussions on ‘Girl, you Matter,” and “Beyond the Screen, Real-Life”.