Next Wednesday, Kechie’s Project will be hosting a panel discussion entitled “Chibok Girls & Beyond.” The discussion around global education and the lack of security for some young girls will take place at 777 United Nations Plaza (Church Center) on the second floor from 9:30 a.m. to noon.
The discussion was inspired by 2015’s #BringBackOurGirls campaign inspired by the plight of more than 200 young women abducted by Boko Haram in Nigeria. News of the campaign circulated like wildfire. The story even reached the White House and former First lady Michelle Obama shared a photo of herself holding a sign that read #BringBackOurGirls.
Since then, the local nonprofit organization has been working to create programs that support the underprivileged and abused young women in Nigeria.
Founder Nkechi Ogbodo is a fellow Nigerian of Igbo culture. She feels she is one of the “lucky” ones who had a father who valued her education. Although her upbringing was more positive than most other girls in her community, she has personally been affected by the organized violence against Nigerian women. Her mother was abducted and held for ransom for eight weeks in 2011.
“My mom now has a voice through me,” said Ogbodo. Her mother’s story and the stories of some other Nigerian women spurred her decision to found her organization. By making education a priority, the organization gives young girls an opportunity to have their basic needs met and to focus on their studies. Ogbodo uses her background in fashion merchandising to partner with brands and mentor young women interested in fashion.
Although the buzz of the Bring Back Our Girls campaign has died down, the battle is far from over. Although the freeing of nearly 300 Nigerian girls is a victory, Ogbodo says that we cannot ignore that the issues that led to their confinement are still very much present. Her mantra is that it is important that we recognize our responsibility as a global community and take action. To attend the event, log on to info@kechiesproject.org.