Contestant 2
Odiga Chigozirim Judith – Pharmacist Student
Age: 21
Chisom was her name, the girl who got stained in class when we were in primary six. Beyond the ridicule, she was helpless, clueless about what to do. I was just as clueless. I was only 10, but I never forgot that experience.
Fast forward six years: I became the head girl of Federal Government College, Okigwe, Imo State. Leading over 500 girls in the boarding house, I noticed that beyond periods, girls struggled with other issues that shaped their esteem and how they showed up. I wanted to help badly, but again, I didn’t know how.
The principal stepped in. She created the Girl Child Forum and tasked me with providing articles to be read at assembly every Friday. These stories highlighted women excelling in their careers and lives. That was my turning point! I went from clueless to brimming with ideas.
Soon, more girls began to show up with confidence, and it reflected in their continuous assessment results announced at assembly.
When I graduated, I chose not to stop. I began hosting and joining outreaches to enlighten younger girls in secondary schools about health and confidence.
Now, I serve as the campus ambassador for Gynix Afrika (University of Nigeria, Nsukka Chapter). In the last ten months, we adopted a school and launched a club where we mentor younger girls on health, hygiene, confidence, self-esteem, and leadership. My team and I also organized a safe-space event for university females to bond and learn from one another.
I pushed it further by partnering with my school’s radio station, Lion FM, to host Soul Sisters, a talk show that reaches even more girls on campus.
Beyond this, I’ve applied for grants and led projects that funded training for girls in domestic skills.
In conclusion, I believe in a world where women lead, and I am committed to making it happen.