Amidst the rising concerns about Nigeria’s rates of child marriage without the consideration of girls rights across the country, there is Favour Awyetu, empowering girl children to dream big, build confidence, self-worth and contribute significantly to the global community, directly or indirectly having access to the right skills, education and participation: instead of being enclosed with the idea that ‘women’s education ends in the kitchen.’
Favour Awyetu is a graduate of Accounting from Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State, an indigene of Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, narrated that growing up in a traditional African society with the perception and strict routine, where girl children are fed with the mindset of getting married, that their aspirations and dreams end in the kitchen, women are caretakers, responsible for managing households, bearing children, and will never venture beyond the ordinary; kept her pondering and searching for what to do to change the narrative.
“Growing up, I admired young girls who accomplished spectacular things, but I never aspired to achieve similar feats myself. I had no exposure or access to information,” Favour lamented. “Often, I find myself pondering what I would say to my younger self if I had the chance.”
Although she can’t go back, she sees her younger-self reflected in the young ladies she meets. “If I could offer advice to my younger self, I would say that my limitations were merely distractions that threatened to hinder my aspirations and desires,” She told this reporter.
These perceptions and thoughts prompted Favour to indulge herself in screwing the stereotypes, empowering and advocating for girl children to have access to the needed right skills, quality education, and representation. “I believe making an impact is non-negotiable, particularly for the girl child. I am passionate about promoting girl child development and growth,” She said.
Empowering Girls
According to Girl Not Bride, a civil society organisation that is working collectively to end Child, Early and Forced Marriages and Unions (CEFMU). Child marriage or girls being fed with the mindset is a global issue that has devastating consequences all over the world.
“It is fueled by gender inequality, poverty, social norms and insecurity,” it expressed. Noting that they advocate for” child marriage laws, policies and programmes that empower girls and their communities. We want them to be well-financed, comprehensive, and multi-sectoral.”
However, Favour is at the verge, striving to inspire every girl child. Initially, she was engulfed with what to do and how to make a change. She narrated that one regret in her life remains that she didn’t discover her inner strength and abilities early enough.
“Now, I realize that limitations, positivity, and creativity all reside within the mind,” She said. Adding that “Since I cannot share this with my younger self, I strive to inspire and guide young girls, ensuring they find their place in the world with the right information, mindset, and great support systems.”
Favour, who is also a finance enthusiast, believes that girl children are constantly fed the mindset that their aspirations and dreams end in the kitchen; “this mindset deteriorates their desire to aim for greater heights, resulting in a mediocre mindset. Changing this mindset nurtured from birth becomes a huge challenge that requires frequent follow-up and effective mentorship.”
“Thanks to technological advancements,” Favour said. “Technology has helped bridge this gap. I have overcome these challenges by utilizing digital platforms like WhatsApp groups, Facebook communities, and similar tools.” Stating that it is worth noting that not all young girls have access to mobile devices, however, she reaches them through community outreach programs, secondary schools’ visitations, and having one-on-one conversations with young ladies,” the finance enthusiast said.
Evelyn Chigozie, a graduate of Microbiology from Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State, was a beneficiary. Hailing from Delta State, Evelyn narrated that Favour’s advocacy has inspired her to reflect on the importance of supporting and uplifting the next generation of women leaders. “Her dedication to creating positive change has motivated me to think about ways I can make a difference in my own community.”
“She taught me the ways of being a lady and took time to encourage me to become a better person,” said Evelyn.
School Outreach To Inspire and Pad A Girl Child
Favour, who has been using all means to empower young girls, mold their mindset, and give them hope of becoming great in every endeavor, launched a school outreach program in one Borno State girls senior secondary school, GCC Girls’ Academy.
She sensitized the students on how they can achieve academic excellence and become good ambassadors to other females. She introduced the students to a mantra that she abbreviated as ABCD, in full “Ability, Beautiful, Courage, and Dignity,” and donated over 50 sanitary pads to the students.
Smiling ear to ear was Fatima Umar, 16, a SS 2 student and participant of the outreach, expressing her joy over the sensitization. “I’m very happy to know that every girl child is entitled to acquire skills and knowledge that would allow them to overcome any obstacle for the development of themselves and their society,” said Fatima.
“The interesting point is that I now know, as a girl, that I can act on my own decisions and terms, rather than being dictated by other people, and also accepting the responsibilities of my actions,” Fatima affirmed.
Similarly, another student narrated her takeaway. Fatima Grema, 18, was a participant in the outreach, shared about her deeper analysis of the ABCD. “I believe that for me to be successful, I should have the ‘Ability’ to do anything. I should not feel discriminated against because I’m created ‘Beautiful.’ I should have goals and be ‘Courageous or confident’ to pursue my goals. And I should protect my ‘Dignity’ that I have the potential to be successful,” she said, stating that she wishes similar outreach to be held for them.
In her words, Evelyn said, “I benefited a lot in her [Favour’s] journey, and also decided to impact Girl Child where I was able to pad the Girl Child in Lokoja, Kogi State under the help of ‘Mabel’s Girl Child Foundation’. I was also given the privilege to speak on Sexual purity and Hygiene. Miss Favour really inspired me by the life she is living.”
Despite Challenges and Discouragements, Favour Aims More
Since beginning, Favour’s journey has not been an easy sail. She disclosed that challenges have made her journey intriguing, engaging, and amazing, that if there are no challenges, there won’t be stories to share. “One significant challenge is accessing the girl child. In African culture, a girl child is often expected to spend time at home learning household chores and is expected to be at home at all times,” She declared “This makes it challenging to engage these young minds about the corporate world early enough.”
As girl children are constantly fed the mindset that their aspirations and dreams end in the kitchen. “This mindset deteriorates their desire to aim for greater heights, resulting in a mediocre mindset. Changing a mindset nurtured from birth becomes a huge challenge that requires frequent follow-up and effective mentorship.
“Societal sentiment has also portrayed successful women as irresponsible. To remain accepted, the young girl feels pressured to dim her light to fit into society. As an advocate for the girl child, addressing these challenges makes it difficult to bridge the gap in girl child development.
“Initially, hearing negative opinions from others was disheartening, but I’ve since learned to rise above them. However, internal discouragement sets in when I’m unable to reach out to the girl child.”
Favour believes that the role of a girl child extends far beyond household chores; that when she is not informed about her strengths, not equipped to solve societal and national problems, and when her skills do not meet the demands of a fast-paced technological era, her dreams wither away.
“But she deserves opportunities that keep her dreams alive, and when those dreams become a reality, she will attribute her success to the nation that gave her the opportunity to thrive.”
“While we’ve successfully executed some engaging and educational activities, financial constraints have hindered others. And people often ask how we manage to accomplish all this, given the financial demands? Like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said, ‘Investing in women is smart economics, and investing in girls, catching them upstream, is even smarter economics.’
Nevertheless, the vast number of young girls lacking access to quality education, relevant information, and essential skills serves as a powerful motivator, driving me to continue contributing to nation-building.