Jessica Nufi, a 14-year-old student in SS2 at Government Secondary School in Garki Area 10, Abuja never expected to be part of a programme that would change how she sees herself and the world around her.
Jessica first heard about the Girl-Led Research (GLR) Project in May 2025, when the senior mistress of her school called her to the administrative office. When she got in, the senior mistress handed her a consent form and explained that she should take it home for her parents to read and sign. Out of curiosity, Jessica read the form herself before giving it to her parents and discovered that it was about girls and how they could be empowered to speak up and take action on issues that affect them. Excited by what she read, she took the form to her father. He read through it, saw value in the initiative, and signed immediately, believing it would be a great opportunity for his daughter to learn and explore beyond the classroom. That marked the beginning of a journey that would later have a lasting impact on Jessica’s confidence, mindset, and relationships with others.
On the first day of the Girl-Led Research Project, Jessica was unsure what to expect. “I thought it was going to be boring,” she recalled, noticing that there were students from several schools and many ‘adults’ around. The participants gathered at ActionAid Nigeria’s office, where they were introduced to the programme and trained on various topics. Despite her initial hesitation, Jessica quickly found the sessions engaging. The session covered important issues affecting girls, including menstrual hygiene, menstrual poverty, access to clean toilets in schools, and inheritance rights, giving participants the chance to discuss challenges they often face in their homes and communities. As the programme progressed, Jessica became more involved, learning new skills and gaining a deeper understanding of the barriers many girls experience.
After the first day of the programme, Jessica and other researchers from her school became more engaged in the Girl-Led Research Project. One of the most impactful activities for her was learning how to make reusable sanitary pads. She not only learned to make her own but also shared the knowledge with other girls at her school and beyond. “Some of my friends even taught their younger sisters how to make it,” she said. The programme also gave her practical advice on managing menstrual health, including regular bathing, proper pad use, and tracking her menstrual cycle.
Beyond practical skills, the project significantly boosted Jessica’s social skills and confidence. Before the programme, some peers saw her as unapproachable and proud; however, through the training, she has learned the importance of supporting and standing up for other girls. She also became very confident in discussing menstrual health and hygiene openly, even with classmates who had previously avoided such conversations.
Jessica also learned the importance of speaking up for herself. Recently, she approached her school principal to raise a concern about the hairstyle regulations at her school. Students were only allowed to wear cornrows, and Jessica felt this was restrictive, especially since girls would spend several years in school under this rule. She also researched the issue and discovered that constantly wearing cornrows without proper care could lead to hair loss, this made her do more research and prepare a two-page document outlining her findings, she, accompanied by a classmate, presented her concerns to the principal. While he explained that the policy had been long-standing and partly decided by parents in earlier meetings, Jessica felt empowered that her voice was heard and taken seriously. The principal even called in the school counsellor to further explain the matter and ensure Jessica understood the reasoning behind the policy. This experience reinforced her belief in the value of speaking up and advocating for herself and others.
Reflecting on her journey through the Girl-Led Research Project, Jessica’s experience during this project has had a profound impact on her confidence, mindset, and relationships with others. She has learned that every girl, regardless of her background, has the right to speak up, pursue her dreams, and support other girls in their challenges. The programme taught her that menstrual health and hygiene are normal and important topics to discuss openly, removing the shame and embarrassment she once felt. Jessica has also realized that girls face many barriers, from societal expectations to limited access to resources, and that empowering each other can make a real difference. Through the project, she has become more empathetic, approachable, and willing to mentor and guide her peers. Whether teaching other girls to make reusable sanitary pads, helping classmates understand menstrual hygiene, or advocating for change in her school, Jessica has embraced the role of a confident young leader.
She also has a message for girls everywhere; “believe in yourself, trust your dreams, and never let anyone stop you. You are as much entitled as your brothers. Only those who believe in their dreams can achieve it. The sky is just your starting point. That moon, that star up there, you can reach it one day. Your family’s story is not your story. You have your own story to create. So, live it, believe in it, and build it.” For Jessica, the Girl-Led Research Project has not only equipped her with practical skills but has also given her the courage, confidence, and perspective to step into her own power and inspire change in her community.
