In a move to support adolescent girls and young women in vulnerable communities, the ATLAS Initiative, through its Empowering Lives Through Education (ELITE) project, has equipped over 50 girls in Majidun, Ikorodu, with practical skills in soap-making.
The initiative, backed by PLAN International Nigeria, aims to foster health resilience and economic empowerment while addressing environmental challenges.
The ELITE project, a nine-month program, focuses on menstrual health, family planning, rights awareness, and the production of organic hygiene and eco-friendly reusable sanitary products.
Speaking at the launch, ATLAS Executive Director, Habeeb Balogun emphasized the initiative’s goal of providing marginalized girls with critical knowledge and tools to navigate the intersection of climate change and reproductive health.
“This project empowers young women with essential knowledge and skills for sustainable reproductive health practices while promoting environmental sustainability in their communities,” he stated.
Project Manager, Bushroh Olatunji highlighted the growing concern of teenage pregnancy in the Majidun community, noting that ATLAS had previously conducted sexual and reproductive health training. However, the ELITE project goes a step further by integrating skill development with awareness programs.
“We want these girls to understand their sexual and reproductive rights while also equipping them with income-generating skills. By teaching them how to make soap, reusable sanitary pads, and hygiene products, we are not just empowering them financially but also tackling period poverty,” she said.
Olatunji also noted that financial hardship is a key factor driving teenage pregnancy and other social vices. By creating opportunities for economic independence, the project aims to reduce the likelihood of girls engaging in transactional relationships for financial support.
In addition to health education, participants are being trained in upcycling—transforming waste materials into valuable products.
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“We are introducing them to environmental sustainability by converting waste into useful items like furniture, using discarded tyres and bottles,” she added.
Adeniyi Jumoke, a trainer at the event, reinforced the importance of financial independence for young women.
“Girls are often vulnerable to external influences, but when they have financial security, they gain confidence and independence. With as little as ₦5,000, they can start their own soap-making business and grow from there,” she explained.
Several beneficiaries shared their excitement about the initiative. Ogunbayo Fausat Toyin, a physically challenged participant, highlighted the program’s inclusivity and practical benefits.
“Despite being above the age bracket, I joined because I wanted to learn new skills to expand my business. Now, I can produce soap, air fresheners, and disinfectants. With ₦20,000, I can start small, and with ₦50,000, I can even brand my products,” she said.
Akanbi Kehinde, a 19-year-old pregnant participant, and Idowu Adewale, a 25-year-old mother of two, also expressed appreciation for the opportunity, describing it as a life-changing initiative.
With plans to reach 1,000 girls through the trained participants, the ELITE project is set to create a ripple effect of empowerment, equipping young women with knowledge, skills, and financial independence for a brighter future.