Provide Tech Health Solutions for Nigerian Youth

Every year, October 11^th is celebrated as the International Day of the Girl Child, in recognition of the rights of girls and the unique challenges they face around the world. This year’s theme was Empower Girls: Before, During and after Crises.

During crises girls are faced with numerous challenges such as child marriage, rape, sexual violence and are unable to complete their education. We seized the opportunity to reach out to girls in various settings including girls in-school, and out-of-school, through radio and social media platforms to talk about the issues and opportunities through which girls can be empowered and protected from violence. Our focus was on access to information and education through self-awareness, importance of sexuality education and how accurate information helps to protect girls from violence and exploitation.

The EVA team visited three schools to educate girls on sexual and reproductive health and provided them with basic tips to prevent abuse and exploitation. More than 680 girls were reached. All sessions were participatory and provided the girls with the opportunity to ask  questions and get accurate information.  The interactive nature of the discussions made some of the girls share personal experiences  about how family, society and religion have poised as a barrier to achieving their full potentials. Below are some of the personal experiences shared

A 14 year old girl said "I wanted to participate in sports but my parents discouraged me saying that it's not good for girls to participate in sports

Another girl said that she wanted to lead the young readers club in her school but was told she could not lead because she is a girl.

The girls were encouraged after we asked them to share  women they looked up to, we also shared examples of women who broke the mold and accomplished great things. They were reminded that being girls could not stop them from being who they wanted to be now and in the future. 

Assessment conducted during the interactive session to know how the young girls get information about their sexual and reproductive health, they mentioned different sources such as their mothers, sister, siblings, friends, internet and books etc.

60% of the girls said they got information about their sexual health and relationships from friends because they believe their friends understand them better and may not judge them. However, they also mentioned that sharing information with friends or peers is usually not confidential. We used the opportunity to talk to them about the MyQuestion service which is a safe space that provides them with accurate, confidential and non-judgmental information and services.

We got positive results from our activities as there was an 11% increase in the number of adolescent girls and young women between the ages of 11 – 19years who have used the MyQuestion Service to access sexual and reproductive health information when compared to the last quarter.

Below are testimonials shared by the some of the girls who accessed the plaform for sexual and reporductive health information.

"Thanks for what you have done for us, we really appreciate you people for the knowledge you have given to us. My Regards" .Female 15years Abuja.

Thank you very much for being able to answer all my question, i have learnt more about how to take care of my menstrual health. Female 15 Lagos.

Girls have many concerns as it relates to their sexual and reproductive health, relationship and social needs. Through the Myquestion Service we have be been providing them with the information they need to make inform decisions and overcome certain social challenges they may face in their everyday life. We were able to achieve this and many more through your kind donations we truly appreciate your support.

Thank You!