Enugu, Nigeria, October 11, 2024: The Girls Dare to Lead Summit, convened by Hope for African Children, concluded with a resounding call for government support to address period poverty and empower young girls. The annual event, held on International Day of the Girl Child, brought together 750 girls from 32 secondary schools in Enugu State.

The summit featured a range of empowering activities, including a Narrative Circle workshop on design thinking and problem-solving. A highlight of the event was the Girls Innovate Prize, which awarded N750,000 in cash and mentorship prizes to three schools for their innovative solutions to community problems.

Noel Ifeanyi Alumona, Founder and Executive Director of Hope for African Children, emphasized the importance of empowering girls and providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed. Noel called on the government to prioritize the needs of the girl child, particularly in terms of education and access to menstrual hygiene products.

The Girls Dare to Lead summit also marked the launch of The PadHER Project, a campaign aimed at ending period poverty in Nigeria. The project seeks to ensure that every girl has access to hygienic products and sanitary pads in school, enabling them to stay in school and continue their education without interruption.

In the past years, HOPE has continued to empower girls through her Girls Dare to Lead Bootcamp. Of the 32 schools at the summit, over 20 schools signed up for the Girls Dare to Lead Bootcamp, a leadership development program designed to amplify the agency of girls and help them see themselves as leaders. The program equips girls with the necessary skills, knowledge, and opportunities to succeed in their personal and professional lives.

Alumona concluded his address with a powerful call to action. He urged the government, communities, and individuals to support girls’ education, empowerment, and well-being. He emphasized the importance of creating a society where every girl can reach her full potential and contribute to the development of Nigeria.

The Girls Dare to Lead Summit was a resounding success, inspiring young girls to become leaders and agents of change. As Nigeria continues to strive for development, it is essential to invest in the education and empowerment of its young people, particularly its girls and children with disabilities, and HOPE is leading the way in this regard.