The future is female isn’t just a catchy slogan, it’s a vision taking shape in Nigeria today. Across the nation, community initiatives are empowering young women to support the community while improving Nigeria’s economy. Blending traditional values with modern strategies, equip teenage girls with the skills, confidence, and support needed to excel in a rapidly changing world, writes Emma Okonji
In cities like Kaduna and Lagos, innovative programs are taking root. One such initiative offers teenage girls mentorship, practical skill-building workshops, and a network of supportive peers. The goal is clear: to provide a secure environment where young women can learn, grow, and chart a positive path for theirs and their families’ futures.
Known as SKY Girls, the initiative has been quickly gaining support among educators, parents, and the girls it serves. Rather than imposing an external culture, SKY Girls focuses on reinforcing local identity and pride while introducing useful skills for navigating today’s world. The program includes informative magazines, creative events, and practical workshops that promote personal development and entrepreneurship.
Educators in the communities where they operate report encouraging changes. At Yason Schools in Kaduna, Mrs. Dinah Timothy observes that the program has inspired some students to launch small businesses during school holidays—an initiative that not only helps support their families but also builds essential life skills. “Our girls are now managing their health and finances with newfound confidence. They manage their periods better and their personal hygiene has never been so good. They now take pride in being girls,” Timothy said.
Parents too, are noticing the impact. Mr. Friday Daniel, whose daughter, Dinah faces physical challenges, shares that SKY Girls has significantly boosted her self-esteem.
“Before, my daughter struggled with confidence. Now she’s not afraid to stand up to peer pressure and has started saving money from her part-time hairdressing job. She is now dreaming of a better future. The program teaches her practical skills and encourages her to think like an entrepreneur,” Daniel said.
He revealed that he was initially skeptical about the SKY Girls magazines—a key tool the program uses to engage teenage girls. Determined to ensure the content was appropriate and safe for his daughter, he took the time to read through the issues himself.
Now, he not only supports the material but also actively ensures she receives it. The magazines are incredibly informative, he further. According to him, “My daughter was so inspired that she even bought a small savings box to help her save more. Just the other day, she asked if she could go get a sieve because she wanted to make Zobo for the family—a recipe she learned
from the SKY Girls magazine.”
While SKY Girls has already achieved impressive success, it is essential for the program to deepen its engagement with community members and key stakeholders. Strengthening these relationships will help build broader support, ensure sustainability, and amplify the impact of the movement as it continues to grow.
In an era when the pressures of modern life can create uncertainty, initiatives like SKY Girls highlight the potential of community-based mentorship and skill development. They underscore a broader commitment to nurturing young talent and promoting resilience among Nigeria’s future female leaders.
As more communities rally behind programs like SKY Girls, the promise of a more inclusive society becomes increasingly tangible. With continued collaboration between educators, parents, and policymakers, these efforts are laying the groundwork for a future where every girl has the opportunity to thrive, rooted in cultural pride and equipped with the tools for success.
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