Figure Above: D.R.E.A.M.S club meeting in progress at Keffi, Nasarawa State.
Girls below the age of 18 in Nigeria face challenges such as harmful cultural practices, gender-based violence, early marriage, early pregnancy and exploitation. These harms deter and limit them from achieving their full potentials. To promote gender equity and advocate for social change in the community, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) with funding from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is implementing a project to bring girls together in clubs. The goal of the D.R.E.A.M.S girls club is to groom girls to be Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS Free, Mentored and Safe.