Enugu: The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has initiated the ‘Yes! Girl’ Podcast, a digital platform driven by and for adolescent girls in Nigeria. The podcast was launched at an event held at the Nile Cinema in Enugu, as part of UNICEF’s activities to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ngozi Songu, Adolescent Development Specialist at UNICEF Enugu Area Office, highlighted that the podcast provides a secure and empowering environment for girls aged 9-19 years to discuss issues impacting their lives. These include education, mental health, menstrual health, HPV prevention, gender equality, leadership, and climate action.
The event, themed ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,’ shifts the narrative from merely speaking about girls to actively listening to them. Songu emphasized that adolescent girls in Nigeria encounter challenges such as school dropout, harmful gender norms, early marriage, limited access to health information, and a lack of safe spaces for expression.
The ‘Yes! Girl Podcast’ aims to place girls at the center of discussions, empowering them as leaders, storytellers, and advocates for change. It underscores the potential of digital storytelling in creating accessible dialogue spaces, especially in communities where such conversations are restricted.
The initiative signals a commitment to ensuring that the voices of girls influence policies, programs, and investments affecting their futures. In alignment with this year’s IWD theme, UNICEF is prioritizing three areas for girls in Nigeria: amplifying girls’ voices, expanding access to information and services, and strengthening their leadership and participation.
Songu noted that although the Federal Government has made strides in advancing the rights of women and girls, more robust actions in education investment, adolescent-friendly services, and institutionalizing girls’ participation in policy discussions could accelerate progress.
The podcast represents a platform for girls to speak, unlocking solutions that can transform communities. It ensures that every girl’s voice is heard, her experiences valued, and her solutions amplified, contributing to a more equal and just future for Nigeria.
Mrs. Esther Mbah from the Enugu State Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development confirmed the state government’s support for initiatives uplifting the girl child. Additionally, Annie Enweani, Enugu State Chairperson of FIDA, expressed that women in Nigeria have the right to occupy leadership positions, making the event a fitting celebration of the 2026 International Women’s Day.