In its continuous celebration of the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child, the Rhealyz Africa, recently hosted an empowerment gathering of secondary schools girls across Akure, Ondo State.
The event, themed “The Girl I Am, the Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontline of Crisis,” was held at Fiwasaye Girls’ Grammar School, Akure and it provided a platform for girls to relate, learn, and engage in meaningful conversations.
Ranging from taking charge as the session moderation, panelists, the girls displayed a great improvement that has been impacted on them through the yearly event.
Rhealyz Africa in partnership with an invited interest group, Girls to Women Development and Research Center raised the hope of the girls and assured them that they are also a resourceful part of their society.
The Founder of Girls to Women Development and Research Center, Chief Olamide Falana, emphasized the importance of menstrual hygiene as a key aspect of empowering adolescent girls to stay confident and focused in school.
“Every girl deserves to feel confident, safe, and supported in her journey. When we address menstrual health, we are not just giving pads, we are giving girls dignity and a fair chance to thrive,” Chief Falana said.
The Executive Director of Rhealyz Africa, Dr. Ireti Adesida encouraged the girls to not only grow in age, but “increase in valuable training. Ranging from tech, entrepreneurship, politics. You can be what you choose to become, with all seriousness.”
He also emphasized the role of girls in leadership, urging adolescent girls to see themselves as leaders from today. He stated that global research has shown that, “Inadequate menstrual hygiene management can result in physical, social, psychological, and educational challenges for schoolgirls.”
The event featured interactive sessions, including two panel sessions and the girls coordinate the sessions with confidence.
Dr. Adesida however called for improved access to sanitary pads, staying that, “Globally, over 50% of females are of reproductive age, and 500 million lack adequate menstrual hygiene facilities.”
The memorable annual international event is yearly organised by the Rhealyz Africa and many youthful leaders have been raised through the annual gathering.
