The Girl I am, the Change I lead: Girls on the Frontline of Crisis.

The annual observation of International Day of the Girl Child, recognized globally on October 11th, serves as a pivotal moment to spotlight the fundamental rights of girls, amplify their unique voices, and address the specific challenges they face worldwide. For 2025, the global community embraced a theme that signaled a powerful shift in focus: 'The girl I am, the change I lead'. This theme moved the conversation decisively beyond simply recognizing potential and towards demanding active, self-driven leadership from girls themselves.

The Iban Ifiok Foundation, on Saturday, 11th October, 2025, interpreted this mandate not as a mere celebration but as an activation point for cultivating the next generation of Queens across Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The goal was to ensure the inspirational energy generated on the day is effectively transitioned into sustainable, measurable action.

Our guest facilitator, Coach Mekeat Danjuma, who is a Physiotherapist and a certified Teens Coach, highlighted girls’ rights that are in jeopardy and some inequalities. 

• Gender inequality in girls’ education

• Gender inequality in girls' and women’s leadership and participation  

• Child marriage 

• Gender-based violence

• Teenage pregnancy

• Sexual harassment and catcalling 

• Bullying, discrimination, and harassment in workplaces, educational settings, families, and communities 

• Gender stereotypes at school and work 

• Persisting gender differences in the right to own property and manage assets.

She asked the girls to think about their rights and how they will be able to advocate and fight to maintain them. Coach Danjuma charged the participants to stand with the girls and support their leadership.

• Share girls’ stories, celebrate their achievements, and amplify their voices.

• Advocate for change. Call for policies that protect girls’ rights and enable their leadership.

• Create girl-led spaces. Wherever you have influence, support safe spaces where girls can connect, learn, and get the support they need.

• Lend your voice. Call for dedicated funding and programmes that meet the unique needs of girls in crises, including health, education, mental well-being, and support for adolescent mothers.

The Iban Ifiok Foundation taught the girls to define a Queen not as a passive figure to be praised, but as a woman of substance who actively uses her gifts and talents to improve her community.

Iban Ifiok Foundation organized this workshop to position girls not merely as victims, but as agents of response and recovery.

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