WOW Africa Celebrates 2025 Day of the Girl, Hosts Annual Schools Debate

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WOW Africa Celebrates 2025 Day of the Girl, Hosts Annual Schools Debate


By Ify Aronu-Okafor 


The Worldwide Organisation for Women (WOW) Africa has commemorated the 2025 International Day of the Girl with its Annual Schools Debate, calling for more decisive actions from stakeholders to secure a purposeful and empowering future for Nigerian girls.



The historic event, held at the ASUBEB Hall in Awka, the Anambra State capital, brought together students from sixteen secondary schools, women and girls’ rights advocates, and members of the WOW Africa team from across the country.


In her address, Chief (Mrs.) Carol Ugochukwu, Founder/ CEO of WOW Africa, identified gender-based violence and gender inequality as persistent challenges confronting young girls. She urged them to pursue quality education and skills acquisition as tools for empowerment and resilience. 


"Having walked in your shoes many years ago, I understand the complexities and obstacles that come with being a young girl in Nigeria,"  she said. 



"This year's theme, 'The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontline of Crisis,' truly reflects the lived realities of Nigerian girls today. While UN agencies are working tirelessly to address these issues globally, you must also play your be part."


In a speech read on her behalf by Nwankwo Chinwendu, one of the participating students, Chief Ugochukwu advised girls to remain focused and avoid unhealthy dependencies. 


"Do not depend on any man, especially internet fraudsters. Stay in safe spaces, unleash your creativity, and trust that God will bless the works of you hands. Dream big, work hard, and you will see your dreams manifest," she added.


Chief Ugochukwu commended Attorney Amaka Akudinobi, Executive Director of WOW Africa, and encouraged Team WOW to sustain their advocacy for girls’ empowerment and gender equality across Nigeria.


In her keynote address, Professor Antonia Ezeugo of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, underscored the importance of recognising and promoting the full spectrum of girls’ rights, particularly education and protection from exploitation. She lamented that many girls remain on the frontlines of crises, facing displacement, abuse, and neglect. 


According to her, factors such as lack of education, inadequate sex education, and economic hardship exacerbate girls’ vulnerabilities, while self-confidence and critical thinking are key dividends of girls’ education.


Earlier, in her opening remarks, Mrs. Ngozi Chukwujekwu, Secretary of WOW Africa and Chairperson of the WOW Debate Committee, described the competition as an annual tradition that nurtures young voices in advocacy. She urged participants to share their ideas and contribute meaningfully to building a brighter future for girls.


The engaging debate sessions, moderated by Mrs. Amaka Anekwe and judged by members of the Anambra State Debate Team, culminated in Prince Memorial High School, Onitsha, emerging champions of the 2025 WOW Africa Debate. Kenneth Dike Secondary School, Awka, and Community Secondary School, Oraifite, took second and third places respectively. Prizes and medals were presented to the winners, while all participating schools received honouraria.


A special artistic presentation by students of Capital City Secondary School, Awka, further highlighted the day’s theme — “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls at the Frontline of Crisis.”

-Ify Aronu-Okafor is the Media Director of the Worldwide Organisation for Women (WOW) Africa

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