The Moment I Knew I Had to Act

I’m Fathia, joining this community from Nigeria.

A moment that changed how I see my work happened when I learned that a 13-year-old girl in my community had become pregnant. She missed school, not because she wanted to, but because circumstances left her with little choice. I kept thinking: if she had been better informed, if she had access to guidance and support, she might have made different decisions or at least felt empowered to make them.

That moment stayed with me. It reminded me that change starts with listening, noticing, and taking action where it matters most. It inspired me to found initiatives under the Afolabi Fathia Care Foundation (AFC). One of our projects, Pad a Girl, works quietly in communities to support young girls with education, health, and the knowledge they need to make informed choices about their bodies and futures.

I’m here on World Pulse to share experiences, learn from women across the globe, and connect with those who are asking hard questions and choosing hope. I believe honest, human stories imperfect but real can spark change in ways that policies or reports alone never can.

I’m glad to be here, and I look forward to hearing your stories too.