Women Empowerment Education and Peace Building Initiative, Launches Movement for Adolescent Girls in Nigeria

The Women Empowerment Education and Peace Building Initiative (WEPBI) has formally launched the Pan-African Adolescent Girls Movement, an initiative of the Graça Machel Trust, marking a significant step toward strengthening leadership and development opportunities for adolescent girls across Nigeria.

The launch, held in Enugu State, concluded a three-day intensive workshop where 10 adolescent girls received training in public speaking, leadership, entrepreneurship, and other critical life skills. These participants will now serve as peer educators, returning to their communities to train and mentor other girls.

Speaking at the event, Joy Oguadimma, Executive Director of WEPBI and lead implementing partner for the Movement in Nigeria, described the initiative as “the birth of a transformative movement that places the voices of adolescent girls at the centre of Africa’s future.”

“Through our partnership with the Graça Machel Trust, we are equipping young girls with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead, innovate, and influence the decisions that shape their lives and communities,” she said. Oguadimma added that the Movement is expected to spark a new wave of leadership, resilience, and hope, ensuring that girls’ dreams are nurtured, protected, and realised.

Also speaking, Dalree Lange, Programme Manager at the Graça Machel Trust, reiterated the significance of the initiative, explaining that the Movement is grounded in the belief that “every teenage girl deserves a safe space to learn, lead, and raise her voice.” She noted that the initiative brings together young women, trained facilitators, and carefully selected local partners to create an enabling environment for girls to thrive.

WEPBI, a women-led organisation committed to advancing women’s leadership, promoting peace, and fostering inclusive development, said the Movement aligns with its mission to support girls and women as catalysts for change in their communities.