From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in its effort to safeguard and promote the interests of the girl child, has introduced an initiative known as the ‘Yes! Girl’ Podcast, a platform designed to enable girls to speak out, albeit respectfully, on issues affecting their health, welfare and social well-being, even in situations where their parents may not be readily available.
UNICEF explained that the initiative forms part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD).
In Enugu, the launch of the ‘Yes! Girl’ Podcast was integrated into the theme of the 2026 IWD celebration, “Rights, Justice, Action for ALL Women and Girls.”
The event, held at the Cinema Hall of Spar Supermarket located within the Independence Layout axis of Enugu State, attracted government officials, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and selected students drawn from City Comprehensive School Nsukka, Spring of Life Secondary School, Enugu, and Modern Ideal College, Abakpa Nike, Enugu.
“Yes! Girl” Podcast is a digital platform created by and for adolescent girls across Nigeria.
In her opening remarks, Ngozi Izuora Songu, Adolescent Development Specialist at UNICEF, emphasized that the “Yes! Girl” podcast is more than just digital content—it is a safe, empowering space for girls betwern 9 and 19 years to discuss critical issues including mental health, education, menstrual hygiene, HPV prevention, and climate action.
By putting girls at the centre of discussions, the initiative is expected to break down barriers such as school dropout, harmful gender norms and the limited access to vital information that many adolescent girls in Nigeria currently face.
The programme also featured interventions from stakeholders who stressed the urgency of the IWD 2026 theme.
Mrs. Mbah Esther, Director of Gender, Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Enugu State, commended UNICEF for the initiative and urged the students to recognise their potentials. She encouraged the young participants to make use of the knowledge gained to speak out against injustice, abuse and harassment.
Also speaking, Barr. Annie Enweani, Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Enugu State, reminded participants that rights such as education, property ownership and leadership must be actively protected.
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.
Some of the students interviewed expressed enthusiasm 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, described the programme as a transformative experience that highlighted the synergy between “beauty and brains,” urging girls to embrace their intelligence and capabilities.
Looking ahead, UNICEF said its response to the IWD 2026 theme would focus on three key 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 hadolescent-friendly health and safe learning environments.
Institutionalizing Leadership: Ensuring girls are active participants in community and national policy-making.
The event ended with a call on the Government of Nigeria to increase investment in girls’ education, expand adolescent-friendly services and consistently involve young girls in policy-making processes.
As the “Yes! Girl” podcast begins to gain traction, it serves as a digital reminder that when girls are given the microphone, they do not only speak — they lead.
