The OrangeHope Outreach was a Success
The Orangehope Outreach was pioneered by the newly appointed Special Assistant to the President (SAP) on Women Affairs, Engr. Fatima Abubakar-Faruk. In commitment to her appointment as SAP on Women Affairs, the outreach was orchestrated to target the most common and pressing issues faced in the lifetime of womanhood; Violence against women and the girl- child. It is important that we stand united against any form of violence that seeks to diminish the potential and dignity of young women in Nigeria. For this reason, the primary focus of the outreach was to empower thousands of Secondary School girls, from 6 Local Government Areas (LGA) in the Federal Capital Territory – Abuja. These LGA’s include: Kwali, Abaji, Gwagwalada, Karu, Deidei and AMAC.
The theme of the outreach was ‘Advocacy against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Female Hygiene Awareness’. It was a 5-day program held between the 4th to 8th of December 2023, as a call to action in solidarity with the United Nations’ annual 16 Days of Activism campaign which globally runs from 25th November to 10th December every year, and aims to raise awareness for the fight against GBV towards women.
The aim of the OrangeHope outreach was to create awareness and provide educational support on GBV, finding out students who might have been victims, providing how/where to get support, and creating a safe space where the girls can feel at peace to share their experiences. The students were delighted to share their stories with the SSAP. They felt relaxed and assured that they were completely understood and cared for due to the welcoming and nurturing spirit they mentioned to have felt from the SSAP.
The outreach also provided educational guidance on Female Hygiene Awareness, discussing the importance of maintaining good daily hygiene habits with extra attention towards the students who were of menstruation age, but had little to no knowledge on how to cater to their bodies. Many questions were raised by these students, which gave more insight on how the biological set up of the female body is distinct to each other and the experience of one person, may not be the same with another. The students raised concerns like; the pain and discomfort that is endured during their periods, the irregularities of their periods, even the inability to consistently afford sanitary products every month. Despite these concerns, the Principals of each school showed their dedication to providing the best possible atmosphere for the welfare of the girls in their schools.
The program commenced with a first address to the students by the SSAP within the halls/ classrooms of the schools. The Principal of the schools were present on the high table with the SSAP, while lectures were carried out by the teaching aides provided for the outreach, who were non-governmental expert teachers, well knowledgeable on the theme of the program. Questionnaires were also shared to all students, in order to gather real-time reviews, needs, opinions and suggestions of each student. Their responses are tailored to provide better direction on how the government can cater for them. The Board of each school also shared the persisting concerns experienced within the school premises and in what ways the government can empower such needs, especially needs which are detrimental to the girl-child.
At the close of each program in each school, souvenir packs were shared to all students and members of the Teaching Board present, which includes: hygiene products, menstrual sanitary products, snacks, drinks, gift bags, etc.
The OrangeHope Outreach was indeed successful, memorable and impactful in more ways than imagined. For her closing address, the SSAP within her capacity, gave her assurance to the girls to join in building a better future for the women and girls in Nigeria. The students, teachers and principals of each school showed their immense gratitude. It is certain that everyone went home with a sense of joy and hope.
“Let us forge a future where every girl is free, respected, and empowered” – Fatima Faruk.
