Since 2018, Rahama Girl Child and Women Empowerment Initiative (RAHAMA) has promoted quality healthcare, education, and legal and economic empowerment for girls, youth, women, and the broader community in Kano, Nigeria. Specifically, the organization has coordinated back-to-school campaigns and school outreach programs, implemented tuberculosis prevention interventions, and provided vocational training to women and girls. RAHAMA also has a community-led digital engagement platform to share information and awareness about health and services for adolescents and youth.
The Northwest region of Nigeria, particularly the state of Kano, has one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children in the country, particularly among households living in poverty. Many girls leave school early to financially support their households, limiting their educational and economic opportunities. These circumstances also often lead girls to marry at a young age. There remains an urgent need for increased awareness, stronger community collaboration, mentorship programs, safe spaces for girls, life skills training, and counseling services.
With support from the Girls Opportunity Alliance Fund, RAHAMA aims to implement a community-led project to address child marriage and the high number of girls out of school in Kano. Girls who have been traditionally underserved will receive life skills training focused on socio-economic resilience,as well as scholastic materials and mentorship. RAHAMA will train and engage trusted community members, religious leaders, teachers, and guidance counselors to provide mentorship and challenge harmful social norms. Additionally, RAHAMA will offer individual case management to underserved girls and those who are survivors of child marriage.
The project will directly engage 300 adolescent girls, in addition to community members and leaders, to empower girls to make informed decisions about their futures. Ultimately, RAHAMA hopes to create safer, more supportive communities where every girl has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
To learn more about RAHAMA, please visit the organization’s blog and social media pages:
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