Five Nigerian youths have won $1,000 each for winning the 2021 Social Impact Challenge Competition, organised by the YoungStars Initiative.

The winners, Wilfred Emmanuella, Adeboh Hannah, Comfort Agbo, Gift Ononiwu, and Dorcas Jacob, were rewarded at the 2022 Female And More (FAM) Summit in Abuja.

Kingsley Bangwell, the group’s executive director, said, “The female and more project is a self-esteem and leadership development programme targeting young females. Through this programme, we are helping females to develop and enhance their self-esteem, self-belief and abilities to pursue greatness and grow.”

Mr Bangwell said the winners were rewarded for their commitment to the 30-day reading and learning challenge, based on the point gathered and from the impactful projects for other females carried out by contestants.

Women affairs minister Pauline Tallen commended the initiative.

“Women empowerment is not only a fundamental human rights but necessary foundation for peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world. There has been progress over the last decades with more girl child enrollment in schools, advocacy and awareness creation on such issues as early marriage, sexual gender-based violence and more increased women in leadership positions,” said Ms Tallen.

She added, “And, the laws are being reformed to advance gender equality, but in spite of the gains many challenges persist, discriminatory laws, culture and social norms remain pervasive.”

The minister advocated for more women in politics and equal representation at the parliament and all levels of political leadership.

(NAN)