The Road That Decides Her Future

Image by Ramatu Ada Ochekliye for Shades of Us

By Timothy Ojo

Tawiah's story below is a composite illustration, drawn from the common, well-documented experiences of rural girls across the region — not a single named individual.

Why the Walk to School Looks Different for Girls

Image by Planeteelevene on Pexels

by Kashibu Victory 

Walk down a quiet road in almost any rural community on a Tuesday morning, and you will notice a familiar pattern. While children in uniform make their way toward the local schoolhouse, dozens of young girls are doing something entirely different. They are walking toward the market with heavy baskets balanced on their heads, carrying younger siblings on their backs, or trekking miles just to fetch water.