In a bid to foster self-reliance and combat social vices, UNICEF, in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA), has empowered 24 adolescent girls in Sabo, Chikun Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State. The girls received starter packs and shops to kickstart their careers in tailoring and hairdressing.
The starter packs included essential items such as sewing machines, hairdryers, scissors, chairs, and tables, providing the girls with the necessary tools to begin their operations.
Correspondence reports that in 2024, UNICEF and NOA trained 1,080 vulnerable adolescent girls in various skills, including tailoring and hairdressing, at the same community. The 24 beneficiaries selected for this empowerment initiative were among the best performers from the earlier training sessions.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony on Wednesday in Kaduna, Mr. Makama Danjuma, Director of NOA in the state, recalled how several years ago, many girls in the community were engaged in detrimental activities such as sexual harassment and prostitution.
“Two to three years ago, NOA proposed to UNICEF the idea of providing vocational training to out-of-school girls, empowering them to become self-reliant. UNICEF supported the initiative, and training was conducted,” Danjuma said.
He expressed confidence that the girls would become ambassadors for UNICEF, promoting decency and addressing social vices in their communities. He urged the beneficiaries to make proper use of their starter packs and to remain committed to their newfound skills.
Mrs. Theresa Panma, Officer-in-Charge of UNICEF’s Kaduna Field Office, emphasized that women’s empowerment brings multifaceted benefits, stating, “If a woman has access to resources, the family will lack nothing.” She stressed that the empowerment was not merely about the tools provided, but about how the girls could leverage the skills for a better future. Panma further warned against wasting this opportunity, adding, “If the girls do not use the opportunity wisely, they would close the door for others who need support.”
Dr. Wilfred Mamah, Child Protection Specialist at UNICEF Kaduna, highlighted the importance of protecting vulnerable adolescent girls. He noted that empowering these girls with skills and tools would help them escape early marriage, sexual abuse, and other vulnerabilities.
“Today, we are setting up sample shops in partnership with Eleva UK Foundation to empower these girls. We hope to continue supporting other trained girls so they can begin their own businesses and break free from vulnerability,” Mamah added.
The Sarkin Sabon Tasha, Mr. Samaila Isa, expressed his gratitude to UNICEF and NOA for selecting his community for the training and empowerment. He also advocated for similar initiatives for boys, stressing that their empowerment would enhance the safety of girls in the community.
One of the beneficiaries, Blessing Marcus, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity. “I am so grateful to UNICEF and NOA for believing in me and providing me with this chance to empower myself. Thank you for investing in my future and giving me hope,” she said.
(NAN)
