Tracy grew up in a small, tucked-away village amidst the bustling energy of Nigeria. The third child in a family of four, Tracy and her family found solace in a small community where the running joke was how their small village didn’t even feature on a map in Nigeria with its hidden entrance which today is still being developed. Tracy often found herself yearning for adventure with nothing much to engage her.
“It's more like nothing is happening there. Most of the young girls once they finish their junior secondary school, they are lucky to go to senior secondary school.”
Tracy joined Global Girl Project when she was enrolled into the Best Friend NGO in Nigeria. She, her sister and three of her friends were excited to participate in the program having limited access to meaningful engagements for young girls. In her community she saw how often men would spend their days drinking and girls would end up pregnant at a young age, forced to abandon any hopes they had for their future. The situation was made worse by the COVID-1 pandemic, where safe spaces were few as countries instituted various forms of lockdowns. The Global Girl Project came at the perfect time, giving Tracy, her sister and her friends a chance to break out of the cycle and be part of something new and exciting. Even though programs were being implemented far from where she lived, Tracy and her friends committed to joining the program.
Tracy’s time with Global Girl Project was transformative. At first, she was skeptical of the other girls in the program, unsure of how they would connect. But as the weeks went by, she found herself bonding with her cohort, learning the value of teamwork and collaboration.
“We had fun, we did a lot of things together, we learned teamwork, we brainstormed, we brought up different crazy ideas,” Tracy recalled with a laugh. The 11-week program covered leadership development, teaching the girls how to use their voices to create positive change in their communities.
For Tracy, one of the most impactful aspects of the program was the connection it created between girls living in other countries. Tracy was inspired by stories of young women like Malala Yousafzai, who fought tirelessly for girls’ education.
“She was talking about how she fought for girls to go to school, fought for girls to be regarded in their community. And she really faced it though. I think she was shot. In fact, the whole thing was really tough…I’m not sure…I think I would have given up…but her perseverance and diligence…She was ready to even lay her life down for the whole thing.”
Malala’s story struck a chord with Tracy, especially when she learned about Malala’s visit to Nigeria during the Chibok girls’ kidnapping. “When I read about her, I was like, these girls are really trying…where I grew up…nobody cares. This girl, the way she lived her life and the kind of recognition she got, it’s so small…a little thing that she has passion for. It made me realize that we have a lot to give…if we commit to things, we can actually make great changes.”
The program culminates in a community event planned and executed by the girls. Tracy and her group focused on waste management, educating market women about recycling and proper waste disposal. They even picked up litter from the streets, drawing both laughter and commendation from onlookers.
“We went into the market, and I was telling market women about how they can manage their waste and recycle their waste…We picked up dirt from the street and started picking it up, and sometimes people were laughing at us. People were commending us; they were like, what are these kids doing?” Tracy recalled.
The experience was a turning point, showing her the power of collective action and the impact of small, consistent efforts. When Tracy graduated from the Global Girl Leadership Initiative, it was a moment of pride and reflection.
“My spirit was high in that moment. I need to put whatever I’ve learned into practice, so I was feeling more determined. I will connect more. I will try my best to connect to programs like this. Also, use whatever I’ve learned. I’m not going to stop here. I’m going to continue. I felt like I had to think and came to the conclusion that I need to take things very seriously.”
Determined to further her education, Tracy enrolled at the University of Benin, where her passion for environmental issues, sparked during her GGP community event, resurfaced. She joined an environmental group on campus and interned at The Nigerian Observer, a local newspaper. Her editor-in-chief was surprised by her interest in health and environmental reporting, expecting her to gravitate toward entertainment. But Tracy was resolute.
“My Editor-In-Chief was like, go to entertainment; you are good…,” Tracy recalled with a smile. But she stood her ground, covering health and environmental issues with dedication. She traveled with health officials, reported on environmental hazards, and even attended an Eco Camp organized by young environmentalists in Nigeria.
“I think so far, everything I learned from back in Global Girl Project pushed me to this same work…it has really impacted me, and I just find myself doing this work. I’ve been propelled to this role.”
As Tracy prepares to graduate from university, she reflects on how the Global Girl Project shaped her journey. The program taught her invaluable skills—time management, teamwork, brainstorming, and using what she had to achieve her goals.
“You can use what you have to get what you want—you have everything…I remember I wanted to do something…to explain…something on family and community, and we wanted to explain better, and all we had was cardboard and pen…even when we didn’t have things like other girls from other countries…what we learned was using what you have now to get what I want.”
For Tracy, the program was a window that allowed her to see a world bigger than the one she knew.
“For me, it was a window that opened my perspective and my mindset,” she said.
She encourages other young girls to seize similar opportunities.
“They should take it seriously because they will learn a lot, and it will impact them. And they will be doing things they never expected. It’s like a fellowship, and you don’t mess with a fellowship like that. I would advise young girls to take it really seriously. Learn everything there is to learn. Research more…If possible, ask questions…Don’t just sit there…When they say let’s learn about young girls…and you say I cannot do it…you can do it…there are other girls growing up in worse places…all that matters is you.”
Tracy’s journey is far from over. After graduation, her plans include volunteering in her community and starting her own initiative to create impact.
“There are a lot of activities around where I can volunteer. There is a foundation where I can volunteer—in my own little way. I am also thinking of starting my own thing and seeing how I can create impact. You’ll also be aware of it; I’ll let you know.”
Tracy’s story is one of resilience, leadership, and the power of community. From a small village to the halls of university and beyond, she has proven that with determination and the right opportunities, young girls can change not only their lives but also the world around them. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of education, mentorship, and the belief that every girl has the potential to lead.