HACEY’s Initiative to Empower Girls in Lagos and Ogun
HACEY, a development organization dedicated to enhancing the health and productivity of vulnerable and underserved populations in Africa, is expanding its humanitarian efforts by focusing on empowering girls in Lagos and Ogun. Through various activities such as mentorship, training, and creating safe spaces, the initiative aims to give these girls a voice in society.
According to Olubukola Oluwabukunmi Olumuyiwa, the Program Manager at HACEY, the program is anchored under the Platform for Amplifying the Voice and Empowerment of Girls (PAVE). This initiative includes 17 safe spaces—11 in Lagos State (Beju Lekki, Ikorodu, Lagos Mainland LGAs), six in Obafemi Owode LGA Ogun State, and new locations including Surulere.
Comprehensive Support for Girls
Through PAVE, HACEY supports both in-school and out-of-school girls aged 12 to 19, helping them reach their full potential. The program equips them with knowledge and skills, including basic art skills and life skills essential for personal growth and decision-making.
The program emphasizes building self-esteem and confidence among the girls, enabling them to speak up for themselves and make informed decisions regarding their health, finances, and personal development. This includes education on menstrual hygiene, physical hygiene, and how to maintain overall health. Additionally, the girls learn about financial literacy, small business management, and career development.
Five Key Objectives
The project has five main objectives:
- Supporting Mental and Physical Well-being: By providing access to health information and resources related to mental, sexual, and productive health.
- Vocational Skills Training: Teaching girls practical skills such as hairdressing, baking, and other trades based on their interests.
- Leadership and Problem-Solving Skills: Training girls to identify community issues and take action to solve them.
- Educational Outcomes: Supporting career development and mentoring to improve educational outcomes.
- Safe Platforms for Expression: Creating safe spaces for self-expression, peer interaction, and social network development.
Expanding Reach and Community Engagement
HACEY has already reached approximately 3,000 young girls in 17 communities across Lagos and Ogun. The organization plans to expand further to Surulere and Agege. To achieve this, HACEY engages parents and guardians to ensure they understand the benefits of the program.
The engagement process involves meeting with 50 parents per community, both fathers and mothers, to discuss the project’s goals and how it will benefit their daughters. Once the parents are on board, the girls will attend monthly sessions where they receive training and support.
Structured Training and Community Projects
Each community will have 25 girls participating in the program. These girls will first undergo a three-day fellowship boot camp, followed by monthly meetings throughout the year. During these meetings, the girls will develop and implement community projects centered around their interests and needs.
For example, a group might identify a need for better sanitation or education in their community and work together to address it. HACEY provides mentorship and support throughout the process, ensuring the girls gain valuable experience in leadership and problem-solving.
Safe Spaces and Long-Term Impact
In addition to the training and mentorship, HACEY establishes safe spaces within the communities where the girls can gather, share ideas, and support one another. These spaces foster a sense of belonging and provide a platform for continued learning and growth.
By investing in the empowerment of girls, HACEY is not only improving individual lives but also contributing to the broader development of communities in Lagos and Ogun. The organization’s holistic approach ensures that girls are equipped with the tools they need to thrive and become leaders in their own right.
