The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on Tuesday inaugurated the “Yes! Girls Podcast Watch Session” in Kano as part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day.
The event brought together adolescent girls, government representatives, civil society organisations, and members of the media to listen to girls’ perspectives and discuss ways to strengthen their rights, wellbeing, and leadership.
UNICEF Adolescent Development Specialist, Ngozi Izuora-Songu, described the gathering as the official launch of the youth-driven digital platform, created by adolescent girls for their peers across Nigeria.
“The podcast provides a safe space for girls aged between 9 and 19 to discuss issues affecting them,” Izuora-Songu said, noting that topics include education, mental health, menstrual hygiene, HPV prevention, gender equality, leadership, and climate action.
The initiative also marked the 2026 International Women’s Day theme: “Give to Gain,” and aims to shift the narrative from talking about girls to listening to them.
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Izuora-Songu highlighted that many adolescent girls in Nigeria still face challenges such as school dropout, harmful gender norms, early marriage, limited access to health information, and a lack of safe spaces to express themselves. She added that digital platforms like the podcast can expand opportunities for dialogue, especially in communities where discussions about girls’ challenges are limited.
She outlined UNICEF’s three key priorities for girls in Nigeria: amplifying their voices, expanding access to information and services, and strengthening leadership and participation. She further called for increased investment in girls’ education, expansion of adolescent-friendly services, and greater inclusion of girls in policy discussions.
Participants said the podcast helped them build confidence, pursue their goals, and share their concerns with trusted individuals. Civil society and media representatives described the initiative as a call to strengthen the rights and opportunities available to girls, urging adolescents to act as positive ambassadors in their communities.