NGO Partners MTN on N2.5m Essay Competition to Combat Poverty

Sunday Okobi

A women-led non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering girls and women and eradicating period poverty in Nigeria, Safety For Every Girl, has announced the first-ever 2024 National Essay Competition to celebrate International Women’s Day.

The essay competition is open to girls and women across Nigeria, and will kick-start SFEG’s Period Summit, which is set to captivate minds nationwide and unleash a wave of innovative solutions to combat the enormous challenge of period poverty in Nigeria and across the African region.

According to the organisers, participants can enter the competition in the teen (ages 13 – 19) or adult (ages 20 to 35) categories respectively. “Writers in the Teen Category stand the chance to win 1st prize is N400,000; 2nd prize – N250,000, and 3rd prize – N150,000. Meanwhile, on the Adult Category,  winners will be awarded 1st prize – N750,000; 2nd prize – N400,000, and 3rd prize – N200,000.

“Entrants are invited to write on ‘Innovative Solutions to Combat Period Poverty in Nigeria’, and submit their entries for free at the official website www.safetyforeverygirl.com.

“Empowering change begins with a single voice, and the 2024 Safety For Every Girl National Essay Competition aims to amplify the chorus of Innovative Solutions to Combat Period Poverty in Nigeria,” the Founder of Safety For Every Girl Foundation, Chioma Nwigwe, said.

She further adds that: “True progress stems from inclusivity and equity. Through this nationwide competition, we aim to commemorate International Women’s Day by fostering a dynamic dialogue that embraces diverse perspectives. The essay competition winners will be celebrated at the SFEG Period Summit in March, and we hope that it serves as a rallying point for creating lasting change.”

The founder said the nationwide essay competition is aimed at increasing public awareness about period poverty and champion the cause of menstrual equity.

Nwigwe added: “The ultimate goal is to pave the way for a future where every girl, regardless of her socioeconomic status, can manage her monthly periods safely and with dignity, ensuring her access to the educational and economic opportunities she deserves.

“With applications opened this week, the competition closes on February 15  by 11.59 p.m. Winners will be unveiled and rewarded at the SFEG Period Summit on March 6 in Lagos. The essay is sponsored by telecommunications giants, MTN; Tenece, and Platform Branding Company.”

She stated that: “The non-profit organisation is dedicated to dismantling barriers, eradicating period stigma, and empowering girls in marginalised communities across Nigeria to discover their voices.

“Its impactful approach tackles stigmas, taboos, and inequalities associated with menstruation through service, education, and advocacy. SFEG provides sustainable period management products and conducts educational programs on menstrual health, sparking crucial conversations against period poverty across Nigeria.”