US, YALI members empower NGOs on women, girl-child rights

Deputy Public Affairs Officer Frank Sellin delivering remarks during a one-day social media workshop for women- and girl-child focused NGOs and community organizers with the theme “A Crowd4Her” held in Lagos on Monday.

The U.S. Consulate General Lagos today partnered with a member of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Network and Co-founder of Pearls Africa Foundation, Ms. Abisoye Ajayi, to hold a one-day social media workshop for women- and girl-child focused NGOs and community organizers.

The workshop “A Crowd4Her” strengthened the ability of participants to craft compelling content across different social media platforms, so as to engage audiences more effectively on the health, education, and gender equality rights of young women and girls.

“The U.S. Consulate General in Lagos is proud to have hosted the “A Crowd4Her” program led by YALI Network member Abisoye Ajayi in collaboration with experienced Nigerian social media practitioners,” Deputy Public Affairs Officer Frank Sellin said. “Empowering girls and working with civil society groups to advance women’s rights are priorities for the U.S. Mission to Nigeria.”

“This workshop is meant to raise awareness on girl-child issues using social media tools to capture and amplify stories with catchy contents through graphics, data presentations, and blogging. Our ultimate goal is to empower 2000 young girls living in underserved communities in Nigeria by the year 2020,” said YALI Network member Ajayi.

Participants at the end of a one-day social media workshop for women- and girl-child focused NGOs and community organizers with the theme “A Crowd4Her” held in Lagos on Monday.

The YALI Network provides virtual resources and vibrant physical spaces to equip young African leaders with the skills and connections they need to foster change in their communities and their countries. Established by President Barack Obama in December 2013, the Network already includes over 200,000 members. Using yali.state.gov and social media, the United States provides online courses and materials, and connects members with global leaders in their fields to help members develop leadership skills.

Aspiring young leaders in Nigeria can join the YALI Network to take advantage of free virtual training, tools, and technology, by signing up at youngafricanleaders.state.gov/yali-network/