International Women’s Day (IWD) is an occasion for celebrating women’s achievements worldwide – including strides in the political and social sectors, as well as continuing the call for gender equality. The day was first observed in the early 1900s and is now recognized each year on March 8, in a month filled with events to motivate and inspire women around the world.
This year, the theme for the International Women's Day is Balance for Better. This addresses work-life balance for women and the mental health issues and other challenges women face juggling responsibilities at work and home.
Below are stories from our partners and volunteers in Nigeria, and with your help, we can support them break glass ceilings and make a difference for women and girls in their communities.
Focus on Women and Girls
One of the things we were mindful of in our collaboration with SI4DEV was to make sure we paid attention to the gender gaps in development. We are happy to be supporting eight (8) women on projects to improve their skills and their community. SI4DEV supports this work.
Patricia Okolo
Trish is piloting a girls' continuing education club in 2 secondary schools in Abuja. She has received approval from relevant education authorities and the pilot will be starting second week of April.
Tomisin Adefare
Tomisin was showcased on TVC News for her project to provide learning tools to under-resourced students in Osun State. We're happy that she will be mentoring high performing students too.
Emmanuella Ikomon
Peer groups for Life Skills is being piloted by Emmanuella at the UBE Girls' Junior Secondary and at the Apostolic Co-ed School. Over 70 students have enrolled to support each other grow into healthy and confident adults.
Julie Obi
Julie is an enterpreneur and has trained 50 women and men from Pakuro village on confectionery making. 10 of these have received start-up funds for their business.
Veronica Agana
Veronica collaborated with the local government council and community stakeholders to clean up Doka Boys School. The initial waste removal is complete, and work is ongoing on a fence to stop more dumping.
Monisola Aiyekusehin
Monisola is providing vocational training, to include tailoring and shoe making apprenticeships, as well as fashion and catering skills.
Ruke Ejegreh
Ruke is an optometrist and her pilot will give Accessible Eyecare to 1000 school children. The benefits of good eyesight for learning cannot be over-emphasized. So far more than 500 students have been screened!
Nwamaka Osu
Barrister Nwamaka is supporting a school in rural Lagos with seminars and a counseling unit to reduce mental health issues, depression and drug abuse among students.