By Shakiroh Adewumi Bamidele  Founder of Black Girls Tale 

Growing up as a young girl in Nigeria, I experienced gender-based violence in different forms, some subtle, others painfully obvious. These experiences shaped the way I saw myself and the world around me. For years, I struggled with low self-esteem and a deep fear of speaking up. I wanted to express myself, but my voice always felt trapped inside. I was the girl who knew the answers but wouldn’t raise her hand in class, the one who smiled to hide her pain, and the one who doubted that her story mattered. But even in those quiet moments of fear, something inside me kept whispering that I was made for more. I grew tired of shrinking myself to fit into the expectations placed on me. I was tired of hiding behind fear and silence. My transformation began when I met a mentor who saw beyond my insecurities and helped me rediscover my voice. She believed in me before I believed in myself. Through her guidance, I learned that our pain can be our power, and our stories can spark healing and change, not only for us but for others too.

That lesson became the foundation of my journey into advocacy. I started volunteering for youth-led and women-centered organizations, lending my voice and time to causes that aligned with my values. In 2022, I decided to create something that would give other girls the same empowerment I found through mentorship. That’s how Black Girl’s Tale was born. The name carries so much meaning for me because I am that Black girl, my story matters, and I want every girl to know hers does too.

Through Black Girl’s Tale, I mentor secondary school girls in Ibadan, Nigeria helping them build confidence, self-esteem, and leadership skills. We organize mentorship program, essay writing and public speaking competitions, where girls are encouraged to speak boldly about their dreams, their challenges, and their hopes for the future.

I joined Theirworld as a 2023 Global Youth Ambassador, amplifying conversations about girls’ education and equality. I also volunteered with Letter to a Lady and the Women’s Research and Documentation Centre (WORDOC), where I learned about the intersection of gender, education, and community development. Each opportunity taught me that transformation begins with awareness, and awareness grows when people are brave enough to share their stories.

One of my proudest moments was watching a shy, quiet girl who once could barely introduce herself stand before a crowd and deliver a powerful speech about gender equality. She later told me that she now dreams of becoming a lawyer to defend women’s rights. Stories like hers remind me why I started this journey to show girls that they are seen, valued, and capable of greatness.

Today, I also serve as the Associate Executive Director at Eco Science Generation (EcoSciGen), where I help lead projects that address social and environmental challenges. This role has allowed me to combine my passions for advocacy, ethics, and sustainability. I believe that a peaceful world must also be an inclusive and sustainable one where both people and the planet are valued.

I joined Theirworld as a 2023 Global Youth Ambassador, amplifying conversations about girls’ education and equality. I also volunteered with Letter to a Lady and the Women’s Research and Documentation Centre (WORDOC), where I learned about the intersection of gender, education, and community development. Each opportunity taught me that transformation begins with awareness, and awareness grows when people are brave enough to share their stories.

 

What drives me is the belief that no one’s story should be silenced. I am motivated by the resilience of girls who, despite their circumstances, dare to dream. Every time I see a girl raise her hand with confidence or speak up for what she believes in, I am reminded of the girl I used to be and how far we can all go when we are empowered. Through my work and volunteer service, I continue to challenge gender stereotypes, promote inclusivity, and support underserved communities. My journey has taught me that peace starts from within from the courage to tell our stories, to heal, and to lead change. I am committed to using my voice and platform to inspire young people, especially girls to believe that they matter, their dreams are valid, and they have the power to make a difference.