Wednesday, 6th of May 2026 marked a significant milestone as my initiative; Impact With Global Esther successfully hosted its first major university outreach program at Federal University Oye-Ekiti in collaboration with the Centre for Gender Studies, with support from the Nigerian Women Trust Fund
The impactful session focused on Leadership Skills, Women’s Rights, Civic Responsibilities, and Voter Education for female students. A total of 246 female students across different levels and department participated actively in the program.
The students were reminded that silence is never an option, as passive participation in leadership and governance can lead to long-term societal challenges, especially for women. They were encouraged to understand that leadership is not merely about being at the front, but about standing out, standing firm, being visible, and making meaningful impact through confidence, competence, and active participation.
Participants also learned about: • Their rights as women to vote and be voted for
• The importance of voter registration and obtaining a voter’s card
• Why their vote is their power
• The dangers of vote selling and its long-term consequences
• How women can transition from being voters to becoming candidates and change-makers
The interactive session created room for thoughtful conversations as students raised important questions on women supporting women in leadership, skill development, and how they can begin creating change within their immediate environments.
The facilitator emphasized that women are indeed supporting one another in diverse ways and encouraged the students not to generalize individual experiences into societal stereotypes. Students were also encouraged to discover their uniqueness, develop their skills, maximize opportunities, and position themselves for leadership and influence.
In all, the program successfully broadened the students’ understanding of leadership, civic engagement, electoral participation, and the importance of women’s voices in shaping a better future for themselves and society at large.
I had another impactful engagement with female youth in Iworoko, where we had powerful conversations about leadership, voice, and participation.
The focus of the session was to awaken the consciousness of these young women to recognize their potential, abilities, and leadership capacity. I encouraged them to see themselves not as second-class citizens or backbenchers, but as leaders who can influence decisions and shape the future of their communities.
We discussed the importance of women occupying spaces where decisions are made. When women sit at the table, women’s needs are prioritized, perspectives are represented, and policies become more inclusive. I emphasized that young women must go beyond being voters during elections and begin to see themselves as future candidates, decision-makers, and leaders in their different spheres.
The session also highlighted a crucial message: Silence is not an option. When women remain silent, decisions are made without their voices, and their needs may be overlooked. Therefore, these young women were encouraged to create space for themselves, showcase their leadership traits, and become voices for other women in their communities. It was inspiring to see their enthusiasm and willingness to rise to the challenge.
Outcomes: Many of the participants had a shift in mindset and a call to action in displaying their leadership potentials in their various spheres, even as the election is drawing near in the state. These young women are committed to showing up and taking actions, because their destiny lies in the decisions they make today.
This facilitation was led by Ayodele Esther, as part of my commitment to Continuous Voter Education and women’s civic participation.
Together, we are building a generation of confident, informed, and courageous young women leaders.
I attended a three days training on Continuous Voter's Education. It was power-packed, covering Modules 1 through 12 and addressing the different ways democracy intersects with women’s daily lives. The sessions emphasized how voice, safety, and participation are critical to ensuring that women are not only voters but active stakeholders in democratic processes. A major takeaway throughout the training was the powerful reminder that voting is not merely a ceremonial activity but an act tied to survival and everyday wellbeing.
Several lessons stood out strongly for me during the course of the training.
• One key message was that buying a vote means selling one's rights and future for a short-term gain and a long-term loss. When citizens exchange their votes for temporary benefits, they risk losing the opportunity to elect leaders who will genuinely prioritize their needs.
• Another powerful statement from the sessions was that peace is discipline, but silence is not. Participants were reminded that maintaining peace during elections is important, but remaining silent in the face of injustice does not protect anyone in the long run. Instead, citizens must learn to speak up calmly, responsibly, and courageously when their rights are threatened.
• The training also highlighted the importance of safe mobilization, stressing that community mobilization becomes effective when every woman feels safe, heard, and respected. When women feel secure in expressing their concerns and participating in civic processes, democratic engagement becomes stronger and more meaningful.
• Another reflection that resonated deeply with me was the idea that voting is not about perfection; it is about presence. Democracy requires the presence and participation of citizens. By showing up, voting, and staying engaged, citizens help ensure that leaders who listen to the people and prioritize community needs are elected into positions of power.
• The facilitators also reminded us that returning to vote is an act of resistance. It demonstrates resilience, inclusion, and the determination of citizens; especially women. To remain visible and active within democratic spaces. Inclusion, as emphasized during the training, is a right and not a charity.
• The quote that resonated most with me throughout the entire training was the reminder that knowledge confined to one woman benefits only one woman, but when knowledge is shared within the community, it creates hope, support, and empowerment for all women. This reinforces the responsibility we carry as trained facilitators; to take what we have learned back to our communities and ensure that the knowledge spreads, empowering more women to understand their rights, exercise their voices, and participate confidently in democratic processes.
Overall, the training has strengthened my understanding that democracy works best when citizens, especially women are informed, courageous, and actively engaged.
