Girl Child Day: Tonye Marclint Launches Empowerment Project for Girls Affected by Conflict

In celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child, Tonye Marclint has initiated a project aimed at empowering and mentoring young girls affected by armed conflict. This initiative, funded by the Building Blocks for Peace foundation as part of the Young Peacebuilder Fellowship, took place at the Durunmi IDP camp, gathering 50 girls for a day of mentorship and skills-building activities.

The project focused on fostering self-awareness and teaching essential hygiene practices. Volunteers from the Rachel Mujong Project Braid Me led practical workshops on making homemade shampoo and bathing soaps, contributing significantly to the program’s success.

Tonye Marclint emphasized the importance of empowering girls in conflict-affected regions, stating, “As much as these young girls are victims of armed conflict, they also represent the hope and vision for a better future.
This year’s theme, ‘Girls’ Vision for the Future,’ highlights the urgent need to empower them with the skills and confidence to shape that future.” He noted that equipping them with essential life skills not only meets their immediate needs but also helps them envision a brighter tomorrow.

The project was made possible through the financial support of the Building Blocks for Peace foundation. Through this initiative, Marclint aims to spotlight the unique challenges faced by young girls displaced by conflict and provide them with the tools necessary to thrive despite these hardships.

Tonye Marclint, a 2024 Young Peacebuilder Fellow, is also a researcher at the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution in Abuja and a member of the Conflict Research Network (CORN) West Africa.
His dedication to addressing the impact of conflict on youth drives his commitment to developing effective programs and policies in this crucial area.