In a landmark step toward advancing sexual and reproductive health education for girls and women, the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), in partnership with the Center for Reproductive Rights (CRR), has launched the National SRHR Hub for Adolescent Girls and Women (AGW).
Dubbed SRHR Naija Hub, the initiative is a comprehensive safe space designed to provide accessible information, resources, and support to strengthen understanding of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) among adolescent girls and women across Nigeria. The launch event featured an interactive demonstration of the web-based platform, with participants, including persons living with disabilities, engaging in discussions about the challenges and solutions facing girls and women in their communities.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Princess Olufemi-Kayode, Acting Executive Director of WARDC, described the hub as a strategically designed safe space developed in close collaboration with youth advocates, health professionals, and community stakeholders.
“The SRHR Naija Hub is a movement to empower young women and girls, providing them with access to accurate SRHR information, services, and leadership opportunities. This initiative is not only about physical access; it represents dignity, autonomy, and informed choice. For WARDC, it is an investment in the next generation of feminist leaders.”
The platform offers peer-led education, digital resources, legal support, and referral pathways to SRHR services, ensuring that adolescent girls and women can safely navigate questions and challenges related to their sexual and reproductive health. The hub also seeks to foster leadership and mentorship opportunities, enabling young women to support one another through shared experiences.
During the event, participants highlighted the pressing need for accurate information in the digital age. Kehinde Oyagha, a Social Work student at the University of Lagos, noted:
“Many girls, especially preteens, are naturally curious, but often turn to the internet for answers and end up accessing wrong or harmful information about their bodies. This gap can lead to digital abuse and misinformation about reproductive health. Creating a space where girls can learn from each other’s experiences, almost like a mini mentorship programme, is crucial.”
Oyagha emphasized the importance of leveraging social media and influencer culture to normalize conversations about SRHR topics such as consent, contraception, and general health. She also called for a multidisciplinary approach, involving health professionals, psychologists, and government collaboration, with local governments endorsing youth-friendly centers so adolescents know where to access help safely.
The SRHR Naija Hub is poised to become a transformative platform for Nigerian girls and women, combining education, advocacy, and mentorship to equip them with the knowledge, confidence, and resources to make informed decisions about their bodies, health, and futures. Through this initiative, WARDC continues to champion equity, empowerment, and reproductive justice for the next generation of Nigerian women.
