Educate 5000 school girls on Reproductive Health

Adolescent girls in Nigeria often grow up with limited knowledge about their bodies, menstruation, puberty, and reproductive health. Cultural taboos, misinformation, and inadequate school curricula leave many girls vulnerable to early pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), abuse, and poor menstrual hygiene practices. These challenges negatively affect their education, health, and overall well-being.

The DIHYA Foundation identified a critical need to provide structured, culturally sensitive, and age-appropriate sex education to school girls, especially those in public and underserved schools. The program aimed to bridge knowledge gaps, empower girls with accurate information, and promote healthy behaviors.

The program targeted adolescent girls and girls approaching adolescence (ages 9–18) in selected public and community schools and surrounding communities. Priority was given to girls from low-income and underserved settings where access to sexuality education is limited.

The DIHYA Foundation conducted interactive sessions in schools and community settings. Topics covered included:

• Puberty and physical changes in girls
• Menstrual cycle and menstrual hygiene practices
• Sexual and reproductive health and rights
• Prevention of sexually transmitted infections
• Body autonomy, consent, and personal safety
• Emotional and social changes during adolescence

Sessions were delivered using age-appropriate language, visual aids, and participatory methods to encourage engagement and understanding.

This summer, the DIHYA Foundation journeyed into several communities, including Akanran community, to engage with adolescent girls and those approaching adolescence on the vital subject of reproductive health. In one of the sessions, a young girl bravely raised her hand and asked, “Why don’t our schools teach us these things?” Her question echoed the reality for so many girls—growing up without access to basic sex education in schools. It was in that moment we were reminded why our work is so important. To bridge this gap, we equipped the girls with sex education booklets, practical health tips, and open conversations that gave them tools to make informed decisions about their bodies and futures. The joy on their faces as they realized that their questions were valid and that their voices mattered was the highlight of our summer. But we know true impact goes beyond a single visit. That’s why, as part of our sustainability plan, we are working with community leaders, mothers, and schools to keep these conversations alive year-round. We are also training peer mentors within the communities, ensuring the knowledge continues to spread and every girl has a trusted voice to lean on.

This summer wasn’t just about outreach,it was about planting seeds of empowerment that will continue to grow.