Outline:
Empowering Adolescents Through Digital Platforms
First Lady of Kwara State and Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum, Olufolake Abdulrazaq, has emphasized the importance of using digital tools positively while staying committed to personal dreams and aspirations. Her remarks were made during the launch of the Yes! Girl Podcast, a 10-episode video series created by adolescent girls for adolescent girls across Nigeria.
The podcast serves as a safe and relatable platform where girls can express themselves, ask thought-provoking questions, and address real-life challenges. Topics covered include health, education, gender equality, child protection, and climate change. This initiative is part of the HPV+ programme, supported by the Government of Canada, and aligns with ongoing efforts by UNICEF and its partners to empower young people, especially girls, to make informed decisions and amplify their voices in leadership and social change.
Harnessing Technology for Positive Impact
Abdulrazaq encouraged young people to leverage technology for personal growth and positive impact. She highlighted that this generation, having grown up in the digital age, has access to more information and connectivity than ever before. She urged them to use these resources as a positive tool to gain a unique perspective and develop skills that will be invaluable.
“Stay true to your dreams and aspirations. Find your passion and use your voice to drive positive change in our society,” she said. However, she also warned about the challenges associated with technology, such as increased anxiety, depression, and pressure to succeed. Despite these challenges, she commended the podcast for providing a safe space for adolescent girls to express themselves confidently, ask thought-provoking questions, and confront real-life challenges.
“This podcast series will no doubt amplify real stories, real struggles, and real successes. It will also create a space where girls can be empowered to forge new paths in leadership, innovation, advocacy, and every space where their presence is needed,” she added.
A Call for Support from Parents and Educators
Abdulrazaq appealed to parents and educators to listen to the voices of adolescent girls, support their choices, and invest in them because they are the architects of Nigeria’s future. She stressed the importance of creating an environment where young people feel heard and valued.
In her remarks, UNICEF Nigeria Representative Ms. Wafaa Saeed emphasized that the podcast was designed to be a trusted space for learning and leadership. “Media is power, and storytelling is now in every pocket. This podcast meets girls where they are – on their phones, in their schools, youth hubs, and homes,” she said. She noted that when a girl hears another girl like her asking hard questions, sharing solutions, or challenging harmful norms, it inspires confidence, agency, and possibility.
Amplifying Voices and Shaping Programs
On her part, the UNICEF Adolescent and Gender Manager, Takudzwa Kanyangarara, highlighted that the podcast was an opportunity for young people to amplify their voices and share their priorities. This, in turn, helps design programs that respond to their needs and realities. “We always make sure that in most of our work, we consult, we hear from them, what are the key priority issues that they want us to address in the work that we do, both as UNICEF, with the government, and with partners,” she said.
A Platform for Every Girl
One of the podcast’s hosts, Miss Hauwa Abubakar, shared that the podcast is dedicated to every girl who often feels unseen. “This podcast is for every girl out there. The girls who feel unseen, the girls who are told they reveal too much, the girls who protect their health, and the ambitious girls. We are beyond honored to represent girls from Nigeria and beyond,” she said.
The Yes! Girl Podcast stands as a powerful example of how digital platforms can be used to empower adolescents, particularly girls, and provide them with a voice in shaping their futures. Through this initiative, young people are given the tools and space to explore their potential, challenge societal norms, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.