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Hadiza grew up in a small village in Niger, where girls’ futures were often decided for them. From an early age, she understood that her opportunities were limited—not by her abilities, but by the traditions and financial struggles that shaped her community.
At just 16 years old, Hadiza faced a stark reality: her family, overwhelmed by financial hardship, began considering child marriage as a way to ease their burden. Like many girls in Niger, her dreams seemed secondary to the economic pressures her family faced. Niger has the highest rate of child marriage in the world, with 76% of girls married before the age of 18 and 28% before 15. For families struggling to make ends meet, marrying off a daughter can feel like the only option.
But Hadiza had a dream—and thanks to Groupement Fahamey, a VOW-funded organization, she found a way to make it come true.
From a young age, Hadiza was fascinated by the craftsmanship of carpenters in her village. She would watch them shape wood into furniture, doors, and tools, imagining herself doing the same one day. But in her community, carpentry was a trade strictly for men. No girl had ever pursued it as a career.
Despite the obstacles, Hadiza was determined. She enrolled in a public vocational training center, where she proved her skill and dedication. But after completing her training, she faced another hurdle—she couldn’t afford the tools needed to start her own business. Without them, her training would mean little, and the pressure for her to marry would only grow stronger.
That’s when Groupement Fahamey stepped in. The organization provided Hadiza with a full kit of carpentry materials—tools that would allow her to turn her skills into a source of income. With this support, she became the first female carpenter in her village.
Hadiza’s journey didn’t just change her life—it sparked a movement.
With her new tools in hand, she opened her own small carpentry business, creating furniture and household goods for her neighbors. As she earned an income, the financial strain on her family eased, proving that empowering girls economically can be a direct alternative to child marriage.
Even more remarkable? Hadiza’s success inspired other girls in her village to follow in her footsteps.
“I have two regular apprentices and 20 girls who want to go into carpentry,” Hadiza shared. “Ever since seeing what I do, all of the girls in the village want to learn carpentry. They all say I am an example for them, and I’m very happy and proud of that.”
In a community where gender roles had been rigid for generations, Hadiza’s determination proved that girls can—and should—have the same opportunities as boys.
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Hadiza’s story is just one example of how investing in girls can transform lives and communities. When girls are given the tools to earn their own income, families are less likely to see child marriage as a financial necessity.
This is why VOW for Girls funds programs like Groupement Fahamey, which provide young women with the skills, mentorship, and resources they need to succeed. The impact of these programs extends far beyond individual girls—it challenges societal norms, fosters economic independence, and creates a ripple effect of change.
Hadiza’s journey from a girl at risk of child marriage to a trailblazing entrepreneur and mentor is proof of what’s possible when girls are given the chance to choose their own future.
Hadiza’s story is powerful, but there are millions of girls around the world who still face the threat of child marriage simply because they lack economic opportunities.
By supporting VOW for Girls, you can help fund programs that provide girls with vocational training, business resources, and mentorship, ensuring they have the power to shape their own futures—just like Hadiza did.
Every girl deserves the chance to dream, to work, and to thrive. Will you join us in making that a reality?
