Hello, my name is Aisha, and I'm a 16-year-old citizen of Nigeria from Nasarawa State, currently residing in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. In my free time, I enjoy writing novels and participating in sports activities like relay races.
I love advocating for girls' rights in my community and I'm also very passionate about community service and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education, particularly software engineering, which I developed an interest in during my high school years.
I advocate for girls' education and health, specifically menstrual health and hygiene. I firmly believe education is the key to unlocking countless opportunities, and when you educate a girl, you empower a nation. Every girl deserves access to quality education, regardless of her background or socioeconomic status.
Moreover, I advocate for girls' health, focusing on menstrual health and hygiene. Menstruation is a natural process, and it's crucial for girls to know how to care for their bodies during this time. Menstrual pads, for example, should be readily available and accessible to all.
My experience as a member of the first cohort of UNICEF’s Global Girl Leaders Advisory Group was incredible and enriching. It was a journey of growth, support, and mutual respect. What struck me most was the safe space we had to share our thoughts and ideas. I learned that through hard work, commitment, and collective effort, we can create a safer, more inclusive, and happy environment for everyone.
This World Children’s Day, let’s imagine a world where every child has rights – it would be a haven of happiness and peace. With rights for every child, the world would be characterized by equality, justice, and opportunities for all.
To those who want to take action for children’s rights, I say: just do it! It may seem daunting, and you may face challenges, but with pure intentions and resilience, anything is possible. You have the power to make a difference and bring happiness to millions. Stay strong, confident, and don't hesitate to seek support when needed. You absolutely got this!
Illustration by Ishleen Kaur
