“Transformation from voiceless adolescent girl to champion advocate”- Bukola, Fulatari Community, Nguru LGA

Bukola an adolescent girl from Fulatari community in Nguru LGA in Yobe State, participated in Social Analysis and Action (SAA) dialogues in her community. Through the resulting shift in her perception, Bukola now passionately advocates for the end of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), Child and Early Forced Marriage (CEFM), and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) on adolescent girls in her community. She says:

“Before the SAA sessions, I felt voiceless and trapped in a world where harmful traditions dictated the path for many girls like me. I knew something had to change, but I didn’t know where to start.”

Bukola now plays a lead role in creating awareness, especially among her peers both at home and in school. She also joins the Protection Committee to go to other communities outside her immediate community to educate them on the negative impact of harmful traditional practices like FGM/C, CEFM and other forms of GBV especially against women and girls.

“The SAA sessions were a turning point in my life. They opened my eyes to the power within me and equipped me with the knowledge to challenge the status quo. I discovered that change begins with awareness and education.”

Bukola says she learnt about her fundamental rights, the impact of harmful practices, and how to effectively communicate her message. The program gave her the tools to be an advocate for change.

“I didn’t want to keep this knowledge to myself. The SAA sessions inspired me to engage with my community. We organized meetings, discussions, and awareness campaigns using the SAA tools to shed light on the consequences of FGM, CEFM, and GBV.”

Bukola’s success story is a beacon of hope for Nguru and beyond. Through the SAA sessions, she transformed from a voiceless girl into a powerful advocate, challenging harmful practices and inspiring change. Bukola’s journey underscores the transformative impact of education and empowerment, proving that with knowledge and determination, an adolescent girl can indeed break chains and change lives.