The journey of Bekwarra Girl Child Initiative began with a life-changing opportunity in 2020 when Agnes Agbo Onigah was trained as a Desk Officer for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) through a program organized by GADA/FIDA and hosted by Girls Power Initiative (GPI).
The training exposed her to the realities many girls and women face daily — abuse, silence, lack of proper education, menstrual stigma, and limited access to support systems, especially in rural communities. It also opened her eyes to the urgent need for advocacy, education, and empowerment for the girl child in Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Inspired and determined to make a difference, Agnes Agbo Onigah began what would later become the Bekwarra Girl Child Initiative.
Together with her passionate team, they started by visiting schools to educate girls on issues affecting their wellbeing. The sensitization programs focused on menstrual hygiene, personal care, self-esteem, sex education, and gender-based violence awareness. During these sessions, many girls found a safe space to ask questions and learn things they had never been taught before.
As the movement continued, Agnes noticed a painful reality — many of the girls who needed the sensitization the most were not in school.
Several girls in rural communities lacked access to education and had little or no information about menstrual hygiene, reproductive health, or their rights. Some suffered abuse silently, while others struggled with menstrual management due to poverty and misinformation.
This realization transformed the focus of the initiative.
Bekwarra Girl Child Initiative expanded beyond school sensitization and began reaching out directly to rural communities, ensuring that vulnerable girls were not left behind.
The initiative began organizing community outreaches focused on:
Menstrual hygiene education
Sex education
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) awareness
Distribution of sanitary pads
Empowerment and confidence building for girls
This year, in commemoration of Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026, the team visited Utugbor Community in Bekwarra Local Government Area, Cross River State.
The outreach was both impactful and inspiring.
During the program, the girls were educated on proper menstrual hygiene practices, how to stay healthy during menstruation, and the importance of self-care.
The team also sensitized them on sex education and gender-based violence, encouraging them to speak up, protect themselves, and seek help when necessary.
One of the most memorable parts of the outreach was the interactive question-and-answer session. The girls openly asked important questions about menstruation, body changes, relationships, and personal safety — questions many of them had never had the opportunity to ask before.
At the end of the outreach, sanitary pads were distributed to the girls, bringing smiles, relief, and encouragement to many of them.
Today, Bekwarra Girl Child Initiative continues to stand as a voice for vulnerable girls, especially those in rural communities. Through advocacy, education, and community outreach, Agnes Agbo Onigah and her team remain committed to building a future where every girl is informed, confident, protected, and empowered to succeed.