•By Nneamaka Onyema FICMC
Empowerment starts with education.
Teaching girls about periods helps them speak up, make informed choices, and challenge stigma.
In commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child, the Embracing The Girl Child Initiative, in collaboration with LinkedLegal Attorneys, held an inspiring outreach at Government Secondary School, Karshi, on Saturday, October 11, 2025.
The event, themed around empowerment and awareness, brought together young girls, educators and advocates with one clear message — “Your confidence begins with care.”
Giving Every Girl a Voice.
The program began with prayer led by the students, followed by an address from the school Principal, who welcomed the guests and commended the Initiative for its timely intervention.
In her introduction, Barrister Nneamaka Onyema, Founder of Embracing The Girl Child Initiative, shared the vision behind the movement — a call to action aimed at helping young girls overcome barriers that threaten their confidence, education and wellbeing.
She highlighted that many girls in Nigeria miss school days every month due to lack of access to sanitary pads, limited menstrual education and the persistent stigma surrounding puberty. According to her, these issues not only affect academic performance but also erode self-esteem and opportunities for growth.
The Problem: Silence, Stigma and Setbacks. Across many communities, the girl child continues to face challenges rooted in poverty, misinformation and neglect.
Puberty, a natural stage of development, remains clouded by cultural taboos and shame.
Chisom Frances Okechukwu, a Medical Laboratory Scientist, addressed these concerns in Presentation 1, speaking on Puberty and Menstrual Hygiene. She educated the girls on the physical changes their bodies undergo during puberty, how to track their menstrual cycle, maintain proper hygiene and understand the dos and don’ts during their period, among other important lessons.
The second presentation, by Priscilla Canice-Obi, Founder and CEO of Nature First, focused on Recognizing the Path to Career and Entrepreneurship. She encouraged the girls to believe in their potentials and to pursue dreams that go beyond societal limitations. “You don’t have to wait to be grown before you start making an impact,” she told the attentive audience, sparking conversations about purpose and possibility.
The Solution: Empowerment Through Action
The event wasn’t just about talk — it was about tangible impact.
During an interactive question-and-answer session, students voiced their thoughts and curiosities about personal hygiene, self-esteem and choosing a career path. Their enthusiasm reflected a deep hunger for knowledge and empowerment.
To conclude, Embracing The Girl Child Initiative distributed free sanitary pads to over 1,000 girls, ensuring that each student left not only informed but equipped. The outreach ended with a lively photo session filled with laughter, smiles, and renewed confidence.
A Call to Action.
The outreach at Government Secondary School, Karshi is just one of many by Embracing The Girl Child Initiative — a movement committed to creating safe spaces, access to menstrual health, and educational opportunities for every girl. Barrister Onyema reiterated that the Initiative’s mission goes beyond charity; it is a call to action to parents, communities and policymakers to invest in the girl child’s future.
“When we support the girl child, we strengthen families, communities and the nation at large,” she said.
As the world marked another International Day of the Girl Child, the message from Karshi was clear — empower her, and you empower the future.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who have supported this outreach in various ways. Your contributions are deeply appreciated. God bless you.
Join the movement 
Website – www.embracingthegirlchild.org.ng
Email – embracingthegirlchild@gmail.com
Instagram – @embracingthegirlchild
Facebook- Embracing the Girl Child
YouTube- Embracing the Girl Child Initiative
Mobile – +2347073587489
