UNICEF supports the “Yes!” The Girl’ Initiative calls for stronger platforms for Nigerian adolescent girls

…It states that millions of girls still face educational gaps, harmful norms and poor access to information

Daud Olatunji

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has stepped up calls for stronger and more sustained platforms to amplify the voices of adolescent girls in Nigeria, warning that millions of girls remain constrained by entrenched social barriers, limited opportunities and inadequate access to information.

UNICEF Adolescent Development Specialist, Ngozi Izuora-Songu, made the appeal on Tuesday in Osogbo, Osun State, during a “Yes! Girl” observation session organized for adolescent boys and girls.

The event featured screenings of selected episodes of Yes! Podcast for girls in a cinematic-style environment, attracting students from three schools engaged in conversations about gender equality, leadership and self-expression.

Izuora-Songu said Nigeria’s adolescent population, estimated at over 40 million, of which nearly half are girls, continues to face multiple vulnerabilities that hinder their development and participation in society.

According to her, these challenges include limited access to education, early marriage, harmful gender norms, poor access to accurate health information, and a lack of safe spaces for expression.

“Millions of girls remain out of school, while many lack safe platforms to express themselves or seek guidance on issues affecting their well-being,” she said.

He highlighted that initiatives such as Yes! Girls are key to bridging information gaps and challenging social norms that silence girls.

The UNICEF official explained that the podcast uses narratives rooted in real-life experiences to build confidence among girls, raise awareness and inspire leadership.

“The Yes! Girl podcast is a girl-run platform created for teenage girls. It addresses critical topics such as mental health, education, gender equality, menstrual health, online safety, child protection and leadership,” she said.

According to her, although the podcast is distributed digitally, the physical viewing sessions provide safe environments where teens can freely interact, learn and express themselves without fear of being judged.

“Our key message is simple but powerful: when girls are given a voice, they don’t just speak, they lead, inspire and transform their communities,” she added.

Izuora-Songu urged government institutions, media organizations, civil society groups and community leaders to strengthen support for initiatives that focus on girls’ voices and lived experiences.

She also stressed the importance of parents, teachers and community leaders listening more carefully to girls and responding constructively to their concerns.

Also, Mrs. Akinlabi, Osun State Adolescent Desk Manager, commended UNICEF for its consistent intervention in adolescent-focused programs in the state, describing the initiative as timely and impactful in addressing developmental gaps among the youth.

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