Young girls from several regions of Niger symbolically occupied leadership positions in public and private institutions on 13 October 2026. Participants traveled from areas including Niamey, Diffa, Maradi, Agadez, Tillabéri, and Dosso to take on these roles. Transform Niger carried out the initiative to mark International Day of the Girl, with support provided by UNICEF. Through this project, the organizations aimed to provide the participants with direct exposure to professional environments and decision-making processes across the country. The collaborative effort between Transform Niger and UNICEF was designed to highlight the potential of young women in leadership and to foster a deeper understanding of institutional governance.
Diverse Representation Across Regions
Girls from the regions of Diffa, Maradi, Agadez, Tillabéri, and Dosso traveled to engage in the day-long leadership initiative. These participants represented a cross-section of Nigerien youth, selected to step into roles typically held by established professionals. The geographic diversity of the group ensured that perspectives from both urban centers and more remote administrative areas were included in the institutional visits. By bringing together representatives from Diffa, Maradi, Agadez, Tillabéri, and Dosso, the program facilitated a national dialogue that transcended local boundaries.
Participating institutions opened their doors to host these young representatives, allowing them to engage with the operational realities of various sectors. The Conseil consultatif de la Refondation (CCR) welcomed the girls alongside officials from various ministries, a commune of Niamey, and several economic sector organizations. Each institution provided a unique setting for the participants to observe administrative functions and professional decision-making. The inclusion of various ministries, a commune of Niamey, and economic sector organizations ensured that the participants gained a full view of how public policy and private enterprise intersect within the national framework.
At the Conseil consultatif de la Refondation, the girls took a direct role in the proceedings by leading a session centered on the issue of girls' access to education. During this meeting, the president of the Conseil consultatif de la Refondation addressed the group, stating, "L’éducation est la clé du succès." The session allowed the participants to present their views on educational barriers and potential solutions to members of the council. By managing the agenda and steering the discussion, the girls engaged with policy-making processes related to the school system in Niger. The specific focus on educational access at the Conseil consultatif de la Refondation allowed the young leaders to articulate the challenges faced by their peers in various regions. Across the other host sites, the girls followed similar schedules, shadowing officials and participating in briefings intended to familiarize them with the responsibilities associated with public and economic governance. These interactions provided the participants with a practical understanding of the administrative duties required to maintain institutional efficacy and the complexities inherent in public service.