The Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has entered a strategic partnership with the Edo State Youth Parliament to launch a new empowerment programme titled “From Fear to Fierce; Empowering the Girl Child.” The initiative is focused on raising awareness about the rights of young girls, equipping them with leadership skills, and addressing critical issues such as gender-based violence, early exploitation, and social exclusion.
The collaboration was formally cemented during an engagement session held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Benin City. Speaking on behalf of the Honourable Commissioner, Chief Bisi Idaomi, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Joy Ihensekhien, commended the Youth Parliament for initiating a programme that directly reflects the Ministry’s long-standing objectives. She affirmed that the Ministry remains dedicated to fostering inclusive development, with special attention to the welfare, protection, and empowerment of girls and women across Edo State.
Ihensekhien emphasised that empowering girls is not only about education but also about giving them the confidence and tools to lead, challenge harmful societal norms, and actively participate in community and national development. “We believe strongly in nurturing leadership early,” she said. “Women are increasingly taking centre stage and assuming leadership roles. This shows that our efforts in advocacy and empowerment are bearing fruit, and we will continue to amplify the voices of girls across the state.”
The Honourable Commissioner, represented by Mrs Ihensekhien, further highlighted the Ministry’s ongoing programmes, which include skills acquisition, psychosocial support for survivors of abuse, school outreach campaigns, and collaborations with local and international development partners to expand protection systems for the girl child.
Also speaking at the session, the Deputy Speaker of the Edo State Youth Parliament, Hon. Ohangbon Lisa Ebuwa, stated that the “From Fear to Fierce” initiative is designed to build resilience in girls, foster informed decision-making, and drive community conversations about harmful traditional practices that target young girls. She stressed the urgent need for targeted mentorship, safe spaces, and access to quality information for young girls, especially those living in underserved and rural communities.
“Our objective is not Just to educate, but to build a generation of girls who understand their worth, can speak up, and are protected from violence and exploitation,” Hon. Ohangbon said. She also called for comprehensive support and technical collaboration from the Ministry to ensure the smooth rollout of the initiative across secondary schools and communities in Edo State.
The session was well-attended by senior officials of the Ministry, including the Director of Shared Services, Mrs Juliet Ehigie; Director of Rehabilitation, Mr Okoeguale Sylvester; Director of Women Affairs, Mrs Florence Nwaozor; and Director of Finance, Mrs Mary A. Ikhaijagbe. They expressed optimism that the partnership would lead to practical results, especially in the fight against gender-based violence and in boosting the inclusion of girls in leadership and development.
As part of the next steps, the Ministry and the Youth Parliament are expected to develop an implementation framework, begin pilot sensitisation programmes, and engage stakeholders from civil society, traditional institutions, and the education sector. The “From Fear to Fierce” programme is seen as a significant addition to the state’s growing portfolio of gender-focused reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5 on gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls.
