By The Qualitative Magazine News Desk | October 12, 2025
Girls Lead Change, Inspire Hope, and Redefine Leadership
In a powerful celebration of resilience, inclusion, and empowerment, the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child was marked with an inspiring virtual webinar that brought together girls and women with and without disabilities, advocates, and changemakers from across Nigeria and beyond.
The event, held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, via Google Meet, carried the global theme “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontline of Crisis” and the sub-theme “Inclusive Voices, Stronger Futures: Girls with and without Disabilities Leading Change.”
Organized by the Lois & Innocent Institute (LII) in collaboration with the Cedar Seed Foundation (CSF) and the Network of Women with Disabilities (NWD), the event celebrated girlhood, leadership, and inclusion while calling for sustained advocacy and gender equality for all girls—especially those living with disabilities.
A Night of Powerful Voices and Purposeful Advocacy
The session began at 7:30 PM with Mr. Shedrack Danladi as the moderator, setting a lively and engaging tone. Following an uplifting opening prayer by Ms. Janet Alabade, the convener and founder of LII, Madam Lois Auta, delivered the Opening Address and Welcome Remark.
In her message, she emphasized the urgency of addressing the barriers faced by girls, particularly in crisis and humanitarian settings, and the need to create platforms for their empowerment.
“We must continue to amplify the voices of girls, both with and without disabilities, ensuring they are not just seen but heard and empowered to lead change,” Auta affirmed.
She reaffirmed LII’s commitment—alongside partners—to promote inclusive leadership and create equal opportunities for every girl to thrive.
Keynote Address: Building Inclusive Futures through Education and Leadership
The highlight of the evening was the keynote presentation by Mrs. Hannatu Ishaya, who spoke passionately on “Inclusive Voices, Stronger Futures: Girls with and without Disabilities Leading Change.”
Her presentation emphasized the power of inclusive education, mentorship, and supportive communities in shaping confident, capable, and visionary girls.
“Inclusion is not charity; it is justice,” Mrs. Ishaya stated. “When we invest in girls, we invest in the future. And when we include girls with disabilities, we strengthen our collective progress.”
Her remarks resonated deeply with participants, sparking reflections on how communities can better support the dreams and aspirations of girls with disabilities.
Words of Encouragement and Hope
Adding emotional depth to the event, Madam Rose Daniel shared a heartfelt message of encouragement, reminding every girl to see her potential and never give up on her dreams.
“Every girl’s voice matters,” she declared. “Together, we can create a world where no girl is silenced, ignored, or left behind.”
The session ended on a grateful note as Mr. Ola offered the Vote of Thanks, Closing Remarks, and Prayer, appreciating all speakers, attendees, and the organizing team for their commitment and passion.
Key Takeaways from the Celebration
✅ Empowerment and Inclusion: Equal opportunities must be ensured for girls with and without disabilities to lead and influence change.
✅ Leadership Beyond Barriers: Real-life stories showed how girls are breaking cultural and systemic barriers to drive positive change.
✅ Sustaining Advocacy: The need for ongoing advocacy for inclusive education, healthcare, and leadership participation was strongly emphasized.
✅ Unity and Collaboration: Speakers highlighted the importance of partnership between civil society, government, and community organizations to amplify girls’ voices.
An Inclusive Digital Gathering of Changemakers
The webinar witnessed active engagement, with participants sharing stories, experiences, and actionable ideas for inclusion. The virtual format made the event more accessible, enabling girls and advocates from various regions to join.
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, describing the event as “inspiring, educational, and transformative.” It also helped strengthen the growing network of advocates dedicated to advancing the rights and leadership of girls—especially those with disabilities.
Organizers and Partners
Lois & Innocent Institute (LII)
Cedar Seed Foundation (CSF)
Network of Women with Disabilities (NWD)
A Shared Vision for a Brighter, Inclusive Future
The 2025 International Day of the Girl Child Celebration was more than a commemoration—it was a clarion call for inclusion and empowerment. It spotlighted the power of girls to lead change, challenge inequality, and redefine leadership across all spaces.
As the program concluded, one powerful message stood out: when we empower girls, we empower humanity.
The organizers expressed deep gratitude to all speakers, guests, and participants for making the event impactful, reaffirming their shared vision to ensure that no girl is left behind in shaping a more inclusive, equitable, and empowered world.
