Women In Leadership Advancement Network (WILAN) is an international organization based in Nigeria dedicated to promoting women’s leadership across all levels of society.
One of our flagship initiatives, the National Head Girl Project, aims to equip young female leaders in secondary schools across Nigeria. This holistic program includes the National Head Girl Competition, the National Head Girl Conference, bi-quarterly leadership training, and an alumni community.
Components of the National Head Girl Project
- National Head Girl Competition: This year, the competition is scheduled from July to August 2024. It challenges Head Girls & Assistant Head Girls to develop solutions addressing social issues aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It promotes collaboration, critical thinking, and social responsibility.
- National Head Girl Conference: Hosted to celebrate International Day of the Girl Child, the Conference is held every October. This flagship event gathers Head Girls and young female leaders from diverse secondary schools across the country. It features keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive workshops led by esteemed leaders and role models. The conference also marks the culmination of the National Head Girl Competition, where the finalists present their projects, winners are announced and prizes are presented.
- Bi-Quarterly Training Component: From November 2024 to March 2025, Head Girls and young female leaders will access an online learning platform offering leadership courses led by top leaders. These courses incorporate diverse learning modalities like mentorship and goal setting to facilitate personal and leadership development.
- Alumni Community: The National Head Girl alumni network aims to build a vibrant community of 5,000 young female leaders by 2024. It provides ongoing support, networking opportunities, and mentorship to foster continued growth and leadership excellence.
Impact and Achievements
Since its inception, the National Head Girl Project has achieved significant milestones:
- In 2022, the project received applications from eight states across Nigeria, conducting leadership training sessions and an engaging Instagram series.
- By 2023, the initiative secured approval from the Lagos State Ministry of Education, attracting a balanced audience from both public and private schools. The National Head Girl Conference featured impactful panel sessions addressing crucial topics such as digital leadership, gender-based violence, and leadership beyond secondary school.
Conclusion
The National Head Girl Project stands as a beacon of empowerment, equipping young female leaders with the skills, confidence, and network needed to shape a brighter future. Through its comprehensive approach of competitions, conferences, training, and alumni support, this initiative not only nurtures leadership qualities but also inspires innovation and community impact aligned with global sustainability goals.
For schools, engaging with the National Head Girl Project offers an opportunity to foster leadership among students, preparing them to navigate challenges and contribute meaningfully to society. Parents are invited to support their daughters in this journey of growth and learning, witnessing firsthand the transformative impact of mentorship and community involvement.
To Head Girls, this project presents a platform to showcase their leadership potential, connect with peers and mentors, and gain invaluable insights from established leaders. It’s more than a competition or conference; it’s a pathway to personal and professional growth, encouraging young women to challenge norms, champion change, and lead with purpose.
Join us in equipping the next generation of female leaders and create a world where every young woman can lead, thrive and innovate.
FAQs
- Are non-Head Girls eligible to compete?
No, only current Head Girls and Assistant Head Girls are eligible to participate.
- Should Head Girls and Assistant Head Girls apply together or separately?
They should send in their applications\ individually.
- Are former Head Girls allowed to compete?
No, only current Head Girls are eligible to compete.
- Can any school participate?
Yes, the competition is open to all schools.
- Do we apply for the solution and campaign?
No, applicants should choose one option that best represents their leadership.
- Am I eligible to compete as a Head Girl who is about to graduate?
Yes, Head Girls who are graduating are eligible to compete.