To mark the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child, the EmpowerHer Initiative, a project of One Impact Social Development Network, convened 30 young women from communities across Abuja for a transformative one-day workshop.
Held under the theme “Empowering Her Voice, Her Future”, the workshop aimed at building confidence, leadership capacity, and life-readiness.
It brought together final-year secondary school students, undergraduates, and recent graduates aged 17 to 21 for an intensive in-person experience that blended skills-building with mentorship and self-discovery.
In her opening address, Founder and Executive Director of One Impact, Enenede Idusuyi, urged participants to be confident in themselves and chase their dreams.
“This day is not just about raising awareness it’s about raising you, You are enough. You are powerful. And your dreams are valid whether you want to become a doctor, a tech queen, a leader, a creator, or something the world hasn’t even imagined yet.”
Drawing from her own story of overcoming self-doubt and silencing, Idusuyi inspired the young women with a call to action and words of affirmation.
“Speak up. Stand tall. Be proud of who you are. Because when girls stand together, they become unstoppable.
“I am strong. I am enough. I am confident. My voice matters. I was born to shine,” she charged.
She emphasised that the EmpowerHer initiative does not end with the event, as each participant was connected to a mentor and added to a peer support network, creating opportunities for ongoing guidance and accountability.
“One Impact is committed to walking this journey with our girls, this is about building a generation of confident, capable women who will lead not just in their communities, but across Nigeria.”
Workshop Objectives and Focus
The EmpowerHer Workshop was designed to address persistent gaps in personal development and career readiness among young women, particularly those navigating societal and economic challenges.
According to the organisers, young women in Abuja often face a lack of mentorship, limited access to soft skills training, and cultural pressures that affect their confidence and future planning.
To counter this, the workshop focused on six core areas:
• Self-Awareness & Identity Building
• Mental Health & Emotional Intelligence
• Public Speaking & Personal Branding
• Leadership and Goal Setting
• Career Readiness & Financial Literacy
• Vision Board Creation & Mentorship Circles
Certified coaches, gender advocates, and career professionals facilitated the sessions, equipping participants with tools to craft action plans, articulate their goals, and build strong peer support networks.
By the end of the day, participants left with sharpened communication skills, increased self-awareness, and practical know-how including CV writing, digital literacy, and basic financial planning.
About the Organisers
One Impact Social Development Network is a non-profit organisation working across Nigeria to advance gender equality, youth empowerment, and social inclusion through education, advocacy, and community-based programming.