To mark the International Day of the Girl Child, the CyberSecPolicy Girls Initiative team visited Gbaja Girls Senior Secondary School, Surulere, Lagos, for an outreach — and it was both humbling and inspiring.

We went with one goal: to remind every girl that she matters, her voice matters, and her dreams are valid.

This year’s theme — “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls in the Frontline of Crisis” — captures what it truly means to be a girl with purpose and potential in today’s world.

The Girl I Am – Identity

Who are you? What purpose does identity serve? We reminded the girls that knowing who you are shapes how you show up in the world. When you embrace your story and stand firm in your truth, no one can define you otherwise. Beyond everything else, The Girl I Am calls every young girl to own her identity — confidently and without apology.

The Change I Lead–Leadership and Purpose

Leadership isn’t about being chosen; it’s about choosing to act. Every girl is a born leader — her influence begins the moment she learns to speak up, take initiative, and refuse to be boxed in by societal expectations. We encouraged them to see that leadership starts with small actions — the courage to stand for what’s right, to help others, and to dream boldly. You can do anything you set your heart to — don’t let the world tell you otherwise.

Girls in the Frontline of Crisis – Resilience and Courage

Across the world, girls are often the most affected in times of crisis — through conflict, poverty, early marriage, or lack of access to education. Yet, they continue to rise — as caregivers, changemakers, and advocates for a better tomorrow.
This part of the theme honors their strength and reminds us that girls are not just victims of crisis; they are leaders within it. Their resilience is proof that even in the hardest circumstances, leadership and hope can coexist.

According to UNICEF, girls aged 15–19 are twice as likely as boys not to be in education. That’s why our take-home message was clear:

* Stay in school and learn.
* Build your confidence.
* Use the Internet positively.

The International Day of the Girl is a rallying cry to see girls for their limitless potential — to create girl-led spaces where they can thrive, lead, and drive change.

This outreach was our own way of lending our voices — to encourage, empower, and remind every girl that the future is hers to shape.

Here’s to raising girls who know who they are, lead with courage, and stand tall even on the front lines of crisis.