Standing in front of a group of adolescent girls in Angwan Hausawa community, Jos North, I felt a deep sense of connection. Their smiles, curiosity, and confidence reminded me of myself - a young girl with aspirations, perseverance, and the courage to make a change.
Growing up, I witnessed how many girls are held back not because they lack ability, but because they lack opportunities and platforms. That’s why celebrating the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11, 2025, was more than just another activity, it was personal. This year’s theme, “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead,” resonated deeply with me as a I believe in girls power to lead and inspire change.
Together with other U-Reporters, we engaged adolescent girls in Angwan Hausawa on issues that matter to girls - education, leadership, and girls’ rights. The community welcomed us warmly, and the girls were eager to listen, share and learn. They spoke confidently about becoming doctors, politicians, business leaders, and fashion designers. Zainab, one of the girls beamed with pride," I want to empower girls and women through education and skills training". I was amazed at their passion and determination to impact their communities positively.
Listening to their stories filled me with pride and hope. It reminded me why I chose to raise my voice for girls’ empowerment because every girl, no matter where she lives, deserves to be seen, heard, and supported. As a girl, I understand the struggles, the pressure to stay silent, the doubt, the barriers that whisper you can’t. But days like this prove that we can, and we will. We are not just the future; we are shaping the present.
Their aspirations echo what girls across Nigeria shared in the Regional Girls’ Agenda poll on U-Report, where 64% of respondents identified access to quality education and skills as their top priority followed by respect and platforms to be heard. These findings reaffirm my experience in Angwan Hausawa: when girls are given a platform to speak, they don’t just dream they lead.
The International Day of the Girl Child is a powerful reminder that when governments and partners invest in girls, we invest in a stronger, more equal world. This year’s theme reminds us that girls are not just beneficiaries of change, we are leaders of it.
As a U-Reporter, I continue to use my voice to speak out for every girl. Every girl out there, You Matter and Your dreams are valid.
Credit: Esther Telfim, U-Reporter, Jos
