Kaduna State has rolled out a major initiative aimed at empowering 5,000 adolescent girls and young women with critical knowledge on sexual and reproductive health, HIV prevention, and gender-based violence (GBV). The project is part of the government’s wider strategy to tackle the growing vulnerabilities facing young females across the state.
Unveiled at a strategic inception meeting held at the Triumphant International Hotel, the programme—Girls Leading Change (GLC)—gathered key stakeholders including civil society organizations, healthcare professionals, and youth-focused NGOs.
Project lead, Esther Ilesomi, emphasized that the GLC initiative seeks to transform adolescent girls into informed health advocates and peer educators in their communities.
“We are committed to empowering these girls with life-saving knowledge and the skills needed to prevent HIV, tuberculosis, and other sexually transmitted infections. We want them to avoid high-risk situations and take charge of their futures,” she said.
The Kaduna State AIDS Control Agency (KADSACA) also highlighted the critical importance of early education and awareness. A representative warned that a lack of information is often what exposes girls to abuse and exploitation.
“Many young girls become victims of those they trust simply because they don’t understand the warning signs or their rights. We must teach them how to recognize abuse and speak up without fear,” the official stated.
The initiative aligns with Governor Uba Sani’s broader human capital development agenda, which prioritizes education, health, and gender equality as tools to fight poverty and insecurity in Kaduna State.
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