Unicef celebrates 2026 In'tl Women's Day with Adolescent mentorship

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), on Friday, brought together students, government officials, and child advocates for the 2026 celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) in Enugu. 

Centered on the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” the gathering served as the official launchpad for the “Yes! Girl” Podcast, a groundbreaking digital platform created by and for adolescent girls across Nigeria.

Shifting the Narrative: From Speaking About to Listening To

The event, which hosted students from City Comprehensive School Nsukka, Spring of Life Secondary School, and Modern Ideal College, marked a deliberate shift in how development organizations approach youth advocacy.

Ngozi Izuora Songu, Adolescent Development Specialist at UNICEF, opened the session by emphasizing that the "Yes! Girl" podcast is more than just digital content—it is a safe, empowering space for girls aged 9–19 to discuss critical issues including mental health, education, menstrual hygiene, HPV prevention, and climate action.

By placing girls at the center of the conversation, the initiative aims to dismantle the barriers of school dropout, harmful gender norms, and limited access to information that currently hinder many adolescent girls in Nigeria.

A Unified Call to Action

The event featured key interventions from stakeholders who highlighted the urgency of the IWD 2026 theme:

The Director of Gender, Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Enugu State, Mrs. Esther Mbah, praised UNICEF’s efforts and urged the students to recognize their own potential. She encouraged the youth to leverage the knowledge gained to speak out against injustice, abuse, and harassment.

Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Enugu State, Barr. Annie Enweani, reminded attendees that rights—such as the right to education, property, and leadership—must be actively defended. She emphasized that "Right to Action" means the current generation cannot remain passive, noting that at the current pace of progress, it would take centuries to close the gender gap.

The Student Perspective

The highlight of the event was the engagement from the students themselves, who expressed excitement about the new platform.

“I learnt that the opinion of girls matter and that she should not shy away from speaking out when necessary,” said Ezeugwu Rita Ezinne, a student from City Comprehensive School Nsukka.

Her peer, Abigail Anike, representing the Young African Stars, noted that the event was a transformative experience that helped highlight the synergy between "beauty and brains," encouraging girls to embrace their full intelligence and capability.

UNICEF’s Strategic Focus for 2026

Looking ahead, UNICEF’s response to the IWD 2026 theme rests on three pillars:

Amplifying Girls’ Voices: Utilizing platforms like the "Yes! Girl" podcast and U-Report to ensure girls drive the solutions to their own challenges.

Expanding Access: Improving health and educational services, specifically focusing on adolescent-friendly health and safe learning environments.

Institutionalizing Leadership: Ensuring girls are active participants in community and national policy-making.

What’s Next?

The event concluded with a clear challenge to the Government of Nigeria: to invest more in girls' education, expand adolescent-friendly services, and consistently include young girls in policy-making spaces.

As the "Yes! Girl" podcast begins to circulate, it stands as a digital reminder that when girls are given the microphone, they don't just speak—they lead.