No fewer than 1000 girls of St Louis Grammar School, Mokola on Friday received sanitary towels to celebrate 2025 International Day Of The Girl Child from Ibadan Wives And Mum (IBWNM) a non governmental organisation whose focus is on women well being.
The International Day Of The Girl Child is celebrated every Oct. 11 and this year is themed “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis.
Mrs Adeshewa Ogunyemi who represented the president of IBWNM Mrs Opeoluwa Ike while addressing the girls said that the world celebrates the girl child for they are strong, brilliant, and full of promise.
Ogunyemi said that following this years theme, the girl I am means knowing who you are, the change I lead means using your strength to make a difference.
“You see, every great woman the world celebrates today was once a girl like you curious, hopeful, and sometimes unsure.
“But she learned to believe in herself. She discovered that being a girl is not a weakness it’s a superpower. Girls are the heartbeat of every community.
“When a girl is educated, her entire family rises.When a girl is confident, her community grows stronger.When a girl takes the lead, the world changes for the better,” she said.
She, however, added we also know that girls face many challenges from lack of opportunities to early marriage, period shame, and being told “you can’t.”
“Here’s the truth: you can. You can learn. You can lead. You can speak up. You can make an impact,” she said.
She added that we are here today to remind you that your body is beautiful, and your period is not a shameful thing.
“ It is a sign of strength and womanhood. Never let anyone make you feel small because you are a girl. Instead, walk tall because girls bring light wherever they go.
“As you receive these sanitary pads today, let it remind you that taking care of yourself is important. Stay clean, stay healthy, and stay confident. Your dreams are valid whether you want to be a doctor, engineer, artist, or leader.
“Remember this, you don’t have to wait to grow up before you make change. You can start right now by helping your friends, speaking kindly, studying hard, and standing up for what is right.
“You’re strong.,smarI you’re enough, you can make a change. You are the girl who leads. You are the hope the world is waiting for.
“Go out there, shine bright, and let the world feel the power of the girl you are and the change you can make,” she said.
