At Nutrition International we follow a “nothing about her without her” approach. This means adolescent girls are part of the design and implementation of programming as we work with governments and policy makers to advance gender equality and access to nutrition.

To mark International Day of the Girl Child, we’re highlighting the stories of girls championing nutrition rights. Read the first-hand account of an adolescent mother from Tabora, Tanzania whose taken control of her future or watch how an aspiring lawyer from Jamalpur, Bangladesh is supporting her classmates through peer education.

Being able to realize your potential and proper nutrition during adolescence—ages 10 to 19—are intrinsically linked. Iron-deficiency anaemia is one of the greatest causes of disability among adolescent girls globally, reducing energy levels, decreasing cognitive function and lowering physical capacity. By working together, we can enable adolescent girls to access the nutrition they need and create environments that support their full growth and development.

Discover what’s motivating those at the centre of our adolescent nutrition programming as you dive into the stories below.

WATCH: Peer educators highlight link between nutrition and education in Kenya

Where: Vihiga, Kenya

Who: Meet Esther, an aspiring neurosurgeon and peer educator.

In Esther’s words: “Some of the things I would tell my friends about nutrition is how nutrition helps us grow well. It gives us strength in our bodies to play and reduces diseases. Good nutrition will help me to become a neurosurgeon by helping my brain to develop well and understand what the teacher is saying in class.”

 Watch: Supporting girls in India to prevent anaemia

Where: Gujarat, India

Who: Ansuya is a Grade 9 student and leader within the adolescent nutrition program at her school.

In Ansuya’s words: “My teachers taught me the significance of nutrition. Now I am trying to raise awareness about nutrition among my friends, family, and relatives.”

READ: Girls’ club boosts confidence and takes on malnutrition in Ethiopia

Where: Durame, Ethiopia

Who: Mesert is a Grade 8 student and motivator within her girls’ club.

In Meseret’s words: “My confidence in myself has increased a lot. Because if I believe in myself now, I will have even more confidence in myself later. To be a scientist in the future, I must work hard, and I must study hard.”

Watch: Investing in adolescent nutrition in Bangladesh

Where: Jamalpur, Bangladesh

Who: Joya wears a special badge that designates her as a “nutrition friend” within her school.

In Joya’s words: “I discuss the topics I have learned from my school about health and nutrition with my parents. They encourage me to learn more about it. The things I have learned about nutrition and iron and folic acid will help me achieve my goals.”

READ: Q&A with a BRIGHT adolescent leader in Tanzania

Where: Tabora, Tanzania

Who: Tausi is a 19-year-old sharing knowledge and supporting her peers through the BRIGHT project.

In Tausi’s words: “The program trained me on teenage pregnancy, and since I had my first child at 16, I really understand what that’s like. I’ve become a leader for my peers, helping them avoid the same challenges I went through.”

Watch: Student leaders talk the power of good nutrition in Pakistan

Who: Hijab actively spreads messages about good nutrition within her school, including acting in school plays where anaemia prevention is the core theme.

Where: Punjab, Pakistan

In Hijab’s words: “Good nutrition is important because at this age we grow at a fast rate. Whatever I learn from school about anaemia and good nutrition, I also tell my cousins and relatives’ children. I say that if I have benefited, then everyone should benefit.”

Learn more about our work to support adolescent nutrition.

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