News

– Feedback: Nigerien women experts at the heart of change

October 18, 2021
News, West Africa, Human Rights, Testimonials

Fifteen young Nigerian women, known as "expert girls," led the project "The Voice of Young Girls" to dismantle myths and prejudices about marriage, childbirth, and family size in Niger. Who are they, and how do they deal with the socio-cultural reluctance surrounding these issues? Their powerful testimonies highlight the importance of involving young women at all levels of projects that affect them.

They know about prejudice because they experience it themselves.

These young Nigerian women come from urban and rural communities and experience the same social prejudices as other girls. In this respect, they are already experts on their own realities. “I was the victim of numerous prejudices about marriage and childbirth, and I was constantly asked questions such as: When are you going to get married? Will you have time to have children? etc. I realized that no woman is spared, and I took this common cause of women and girls to heart in order to bring about positive change in our communities.” – Dr. Shamsia Mahaman Sani “Before being an expert, I am a girl! I experience prejudice as a Nigerian woman, and these realities have a very negative impact on us. That is why I felt very concerned about representing my peers, who for some reason do not have the freedom to speak their minds.” – Malika Karimou

Learning to let go of your own preconceptions and become agents of change

They are all activists, involved in associations and recognized for their expertise and experience in promoting girls' rights. The project has enabled them to develop their thematic skills through a field survey that allowed them to collect testimonials from other young girls on the myths that hinder their development. They have also been trained to perfect their knowledge of sexual and reproductive health and rights, and to learn how to defend them—through interpersonal skills, public speaking, and argumentation. " Thanks to this project, I have gained a better understanding of myths and prejudices; from now on, I will avoid contributing to reinforcing myths and stereotypes around me through my everyday actions! I encourage those around me to understand the negative impact of myths and to do as I do. Dr. Shamsia Mahamane Sani “Before, I couldn't talk about sexuality; I found it inappropriate and contrary to our customs. I didn't know my role in society beyond what I experienced as a young girl. But thanks to this Change Lab project, I have come to understand that girls have rights and also a role to play in society.” Saratou Badio “The change I feel within myself is my ability to use convincing arguments, particularly through the rights-based approach. Safia Abubakar “Through this project, I discovered that myths and prejudices are a real problem, and that it is up to us, young people, to show and say loudly that change is needed around us and beyond. Today, I can easily discuss and explain to women and girls, and sometimes even to men, that certain perceptions are false!” Malika Karimou

Feeling confident enough to speak up and persuade your peers

This support and the role they were given in the project enabled them to realize their legitimacy in speaking on behalf of other young girls and to assert themselves in front of all audiences with solid arguments. “I feel like an expert because I know my rights and how to defend them. I am sufficiently equipped to raise awareness about debunking myths and prejudices on issues related to marriage, childbirth, and family size.” Saratou Badio “At first, I had doubts about my ability to take on the title of "expert girl." I thought to myself: there are certainly girls who are more expert than me! By embracing the project's objectives and fully committing to the implementation of its activities, I was able to find my footing and feel legitimate in taking on this role. […] To demonstrate my expertise and legitimacy to others, I draw on my knowledge and understanding of the status of women in our regions, the consequences if nothing is done, and the solutions that need to be implemented.” Dr. Shamsia Mahaman Sani To avoid certain prejudices, I hid myself away to take part in the project's activities. I didn't want my family to know that I was interested in reproductive health issues. Today, I can talk to my family and friends about this subject and raise their awareness, in order to break down certain barriers. Saratou Badio

The concept of expert girls generates a great deal of enthusiasm, curiosity, and excitement, and the community's commitment to working with young girls as community relays fosters strong roots and social mobilization. The approach taken by the "Girls' Voices!" project is inspiring and should be replicated to achieve broader social mobilization.

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