There’s something quietly powerful about watching a girl lead, even when the odds say otherwise. Darasimi is one such example 

This year’s International Day of the Girl Child is themed “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis.”

In recent times across communities, classrooms, and even conflict zones, girls are showing up as innovators, caregivers, leaders, and change agents. While their contributions are often overlooked, they remain at the center of transformation, especially in communities facing the toughest challenges.

Why This Day Matters

Every year on October 11, the world comes together to reflect on the unique challenges girls face and to celebrate their power and potential.

Many girls grow up navigating layers of obstacles ranging from limited access to education and technology to cultural norms that restrict their opportunities. The International Day of the Girl Child raises a global commitment to listen to girls, amplify their voices, protect their rights, and create spaces where they can thrive.

This year’s International Day of the Girl Child is themed “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis.” It’s a reminder that across communities, classrooms, and even crisis zones, girls are beginning to redefine possibilities, and do the impossible.

The Girl at the Frontline

Meet Oluwadarasimi, one of our 2025 WAAW Scholars.

On June 25th 2025, Darasimi led a STEM outreach at Hillcrest High School in Bodija, Ibadan, alongside 9 peers. Together, they reached 105 students in the school through an engaging and inspiring STEM session.

They introduced the students to the world of STEM, highlighted notable African icons in science and technology, and connected STEM to real-life issues, like oil drilling in petroleum engineering and drug production in pharmacy, directly impacting these students and increasing their interest in STEM. By the end of the outreach, there was a 15-student increase in the number of girls who now see a future for themselves in STEM. That’s the direct result of empowerment and investment in one girl.

Darasimi’s story mirrors thousands of others across Africa:

  • Girls advocating for access to clean water.
  • Girls teaching digital skills in remote communities.
  • Girls innovating to solve local problems, often with little or no external support.

This is the heartbeat of our work at WAAW Foundation.

For years, we’ve been committed to increasing the pipeline of African women in STEM, ensuring that girls like Darasimi are the norm. Through our scholarships, college-to-secondary outreach programs, and STEM summits, we equip girls with quality education, support, and leadership skills for impact. This is strategic investment in Africa’s future.

Scholarship Application Opens Soon

As we celebrate this day, we’re also looking ahead with excitement.

Our annual WAAW Foundation Scholarship will soon open for applications.

The WAAW Scholarship awards $500 to female college students in Africa to pursue their studies in a STEM-related course. Scholars also gain access to a mentorship program to guide and support their academic and professional journey, and an opportunity to connect with like-minded peers, professionals, and industry leaders

Empower a Girl to Lead

This International Day of the Girl Child, we invite you to be part of this story, and empower a girl like Darasimi

  • Donate to support our scholarship fund. Your contribution helps sponsor young women in STEM across Africa.
  • Partner with us to expand programs and reach more girls.
  • Share this message to inspire others and shine a light on the incredible work girls are doing daily.

When you support a girl’s education, you’re not just changing one life, you’re changing her entire family, community, and generation.

This year’s theme, “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead” challenges us to recognize, support, and stand beside every girl, and equip them to lead change.

At WAAW Foundation, we choose to stand with her.

Will you?

👉 Donate to Support Girls in STEM

👉 Learn More About Our Programs

👉 Follow us on social media to support girls in STEM