The Back to School Educational Initiative (BASEI) in partnership with Women & Girls Health Empowerment Network (WGHEN) joined the global community to commemorate the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child, held under the global theme: “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis.”
The event, held at the Kaduna Metropolis , brought together adolescent girls, educators, community leaders, and advocates to discuss how empowering girls through mental health support and education can transform communities and build resilience in times of crisis.
Zainab Umar: “Your Mind Matters. Your Feelings Matter. You Matter.”
In her keynote address, Ms. Zainab Umar, Executive Director of WGHEN, delivered a heartfelt message titled “Let’s Talk About Mental Health.” Speaking with warmth and sincerity, she said:
“I am truly honored to speak with you—not as an expert, but as a sister, a mother, a daughter—just like many of you. Today, we talk about something that touches all of us: mental health. It’s about how you think, how you feel, and how you handle life.”
Ms. Umar highlighted the unique mental health challenges women and girls face due to societal expectations, family pressures, and limited access to psychosocial support. She encouraged participants, especially girls, to prioritize self-care and emotional wellbeing:
“We are taught to stay strong and silent, but strength is not silence. True strength is knowing when to pause, breathe, and ask for help.”
She emphasized that mental health is a shared human need, not a sign of weakness, adding:
“You have taken care of others for so long. Now it’s time to take care of yourself, too. Start small. Talk. Rest. Breathe. Love yourself.”
Her message inspired a standing ovation, as many participants resonated deeply with the call to normalize conversations about mental wellbeing in homes, schools, and communities.
BASEI Rise Up Leader, Mr. Ahmadu Shettima: “Educating the Girl Child Is Building the Future.”
In a follow-up address, the BASEI Rise Up Leader, representing the youth arm of the Back to School Educational Initiative, delivered a powerful speech on the role of education in empowering girls. He stressed that education remains the strongest tool for gender equality and sustainable development, stating:
“When we educate a girl, we educate a generation. Education is more than reading and writing—it’s freedom, it’s voice, it’s leadership.”
The speaker noted that millions of girls in Nigeria still face barriers such as poverty, early marriage, and insecurity, preventing them from reaching their full potential. He called for collaborative action from government, families, and civil society to ensure no girl is left behind.
“Girls are not asking for privilege. They are asking for opportunity—the chance to learn, lead, and thrive,” he said.
Program Highlights
- A panel discussion on girls’ mental health and access to quality education.
- Storytelling sessions from adolescent girls on overcoming barriers to education.
- A mental wellness workshop facilitated by WGHEN psychologists.
- The official launch of the “HerMindMatters” Campaign, promoting girl-centered mental health awareness in schools and communities.
Closing Reflections
In her closing remarks, Ms. Firdausi Abdulmumin reaffirmed BASEI’s commitment to advancing girls’ rights and wellbeing:
“Our girls are not victims; they are visionaries. When we invest in their education, health, and mental wellness, we invest in the future of our nation.”
The celebration concluded with songs, poetry, and the collective pledge:
“Every girl counts. Every girl deserves a chance.”
Media Contact
WGHEN Communications Office
📧 info@wghen.org | 🌐 www.wghen.org
BASEI Secretariat
📧 info@basei.org | 🌐 www.basei.org
