300+ school girls in Imo and Lagos States participated in the economic empowerment and digital literacy outreaches organized by Spaces for Change|S4C and the Communities Alliance Against Displacement (CAD) in commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child observed annually on October 11. In Lagos, S4C and CAD reached over 100 school girls in Lagos informal communities while Owerri-Imo outreach reached over 200 girls in public and private secondary schools in the state. Held under the theme, “Empowering Voices: Safeguarding Girls’ Rights,” these outreaches provided girls from Otto community in Ebute-Metta, Lagos Mainland, as well as Akwakuma Girls Secondary School and Elite Raisers International Secondary School in Imo State with the knowledge and skills needed to advocate for their rights, engage meaningfully in developmental processes in their communities, and build a foundation for future leadership.
Historically deep-seated inequalities rooted in culture, traditions and stereotypes disproportionately place girls at a disadvantage, limiting their access to quality education, opportunities for self-expression, and leadership roles. For girls in informal communities like Otto, these challenges are particularly severe due to the precarious living conditions that deny them access to basic amenities and decent employment. Additionally, they face stigma and negative stereotypes based on their socio-economic background, which are further amplified on digital spaces. These damaging perceptions create a cycle of exclusion, reinforcing discrimination and eroding self-worth. As these stereotypes spread online, they leave lasting scars on the girls’ confidence, reputation, and ability to participate fully in both online and offline communities.
Recognizing these challenges, the outreaches in the two states inspired the school girls to envision a new future irrespective of their social and economic backgrounds. The school girls learned about the provisions of the Child Rights Act and the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantee fundamental freedoms of expression, association, property, and participation in the governance of their country. They also learned about digital rights with a focus on freedom of expression and privacy. Many of the girls confessed that they were just becoming aware of the legal protections for digital freedoms for the first time. They were happy to hear that certain acts such as cyberbullying, online harassment, stalking and perversion are criminalized by law. The session on online safety provided practical strategies and techniques they can use to protect themselves from cyberbullying, harassment, and data theft. Through guidance on safeguarding personal information and managing privacy, they were empowered to navigate digital spaces securely, reinforced by legal protections espoused in statutes like the Nigerian Data Protection Act. By equipping them these school girl with knowledge about their digital rights, online safety, and leadership skills, these school young girls can rise above societal limitations, advocating for themselves and others, and creating a more inclusive and equitable future where their contributions are valued.
