OCDI Engages Students at Lasting Heritage Academy on Girls’ Rights, Personal Safety and Digital Violence

Every girl deserves to grow up understanding her rights, feeling confident in herself, and knowing that her safety and dignity matter. Yet, many girls face challenges ranging from menstrual stigma and low self-esteem to threats to their personal safety, including violence facilitated by digital technologies. Recognising the importance of equipping girls with the knowledge and confidence to navigate these challenges, Olive Community Development Initiative (OCDI), in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria, with funding from Global Affairs Canada, visited Lasting Heritage Academy as part of activities marking the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child (IDG). The engagement focused on four key areas: menstrual hygiene, personal safety, self-esteem, and Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV). Promoting Menstrual Health Without Shame The session addressed menstrual hygiene and the importance of helping girls understand their bodies without fear, misinformation, or embarrassment. By promoting open conversations about menstruation, OCDI reinforced the need to challenge menstrual stigma and ensure that girls have access to accurate information that supports their health, dignity, and well-being. Building Confidence and Promoting Personal Safety Students also engaged in discussions on personal safety and self-esteem, highlighting the importance of understanding personal boundaries, recognising unsafe situations, and speaking up when something feels wrong. The conversations emphasised that every child deserves to feel safe and respected, and that seeking help from trusted adults is an important step when faced with situations that threaten their well-being. By strengthening girls’ understanding of personal safety and self-worth, such engagements contribute to creating environments where children can develop the confidence to express themselves and make informed decisions. Addressing Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence As digital technologies increasingly shape the experiences of young people, the engagement also addressed Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV). Students were introduced to the importance of recognising harmful online behaviours and understanding that digital spaces should not be places where their safety, privacy, and dignity are compromised. The discussion reinforced the need for greater digital awareness, responsible online engagement, and supportive reporting pathways for children who experience online harassment or other forms of technology-facilitated abuse. Advancing Girls’ Rights Through Partnership The outreach reflects OCDI’s commitment to promoting girls’ rights, advancing gender equality, and supporting safer environments in which children can learn, grow, and reach their full potential. Through its partnership with ActionAid Nigeria, with funding from Global Affairs Canada, OCDI continues to contribute to conversations and community-level efforts that address the challenges affecting girls and promote their protection, participation, and empowerment. However, meaningful progress requires more than awareness activities alone. Families, schools, community leaders, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders must work together to challenge harmful norms, strengthen protective systems, and ensure that girls have access to the information and support they need. A Shared Responsibility The engagement at Lasting Heritage Academy served as a reminder that empowering girls begins with equipping them with knowledge, building their confidence, and creating spaces where they can speak openly about issues affecting their lives. As the world marks the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, OCDI calls on parents, educators, community leaders, and other stakeholders to make girls’ health, personal safety, self-esteem, and digital rights a continuing priority.