In celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child, SHE Safety and Health Initiative (SSHI), a non-governmental organisation focused on the safety and well-being of girls and women in partnership with lagos state ministry of Education, organised a special event at Okoto High School in Lagos, aimed at empowering young girls with skills and knowledge for a brighter future.
![]() |
CEO Mabel Abel-Onaiwu |
Speaking to the female students, Mabel Abel-Onaiwu, a passionate advocate for girl-child education and women's empowerment, emphasized the importance of equipping girls with the tools they need to succeed. She highlighted SSHI’s commitment to creating a safer, healthier, and more equitable society where no girl is left behind.
The event, aligned with the 2024 theme “The Girl’s Vision for the Future,” offered a platform for the girls to share their dreams and aspirations. Many of the students spoke about their hopes of becoming leaders in fields such as technology, medicine, and engineering, demonstrating their strong desire to break barriers and contribute meaningfully to society.
In addition to these discussions, the initiative featured skill-building workshops designed to empower the girls beyond the classroom. One of the key workshops focused on photography, where the girls were taught practical skills in capturing images and exploring creative career opportunities in the growing digital space.
Another workshop centered on leadership and career development, encouraging the girls to pursue professions in traditionally male-dominated industries. The sessions inspired the students to challenge societal norms and aim for leadership roles in various sectors, including health, safety, and technology.
Abel-Onaiwu also highlighted SSHI’s alignment with key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 4, 5, and 17, which focus on good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, and partnerships for development.
She noted that SSHI is actively working to address critical issues such as gender-based violence, inadequate maternal healthcare, and limited educational opportunities for women and girls. "Through our diverse programmes, we aim to provide women and girls with access to healthcare services, empowerment initiatives, and educational resources that will help them become leaders in health, safety, and security sectors," she added.
In her concluding remarks, Abel-Onaiwu announced that SSHI plans to expand its reach by launching nationwide workshops on occupational safety, self-defense training, and healthcare awareness, especially in underserved communities. The organisation also intends to establish mentorship programmes to guide young girls into professional roles that foster leadership and personal development.
You can follow SHE Safety and Health Initiative via these platforms FACEBOOK TIKTOK INSTAGRAM X(Twitter) and LINKEDIN
0 Comments