‘Say No to Rape’ and ‘Say No to Early Child Marriage,’ Say no to girl child Molestation, etc is the belief that every girl deserves to live a life free from fear and full of opportunities. These are not just campaigns, they are about protecting the basic rights of girls and ensuring they can grow up in a safe and supportive environment. In this spotlight, Chiamaka shared with us some tips on balancing our professional career, she also gave us several key policy changes to advocate for and lots more.
Biography of Chiamaka Udo Onwuka
Chiamaka Udo-Onwuka is a highly accomplished business analyst, strategist, and project manager with over 10 years of expertise in client services, sales, consulting, and relationship management. Her leadership journey began at the age of 19 when she led an organization with over 400 members, showcasing her natural leadership abilities early on, setting the stage for her future success.
She holds a B.Sc. in Statistics and an MBA in Business Administration, along with several certifications from local and international programs, including Lagos Business School, in business analysis, strategy, innovation, sales etc.
Chiamaka’s deep information technology experience, including nearly a decade with Tenece Professional Services, has enabled her to work across various industries. She has consulted for multiple businesses and organizations and contributed to strategic projects on digital transformation and innovation with Abia state, Anambra state, Enugu state, and Imo state governments alongside various Institutions in Nigeria.
She is the founder of Girls’ Education & Mentorship Initiative (GEM), an initiative that has educated and empowered over a thousand girls in Nigeria through skills acquisition programs. Chiamaka is passionate about making a lasting impact on the lives of young girls and women.
As the founder of Girls’ Education & Mentorship Initiative (GEM), Chiamaka has spearheaded a wide range of impactful campaigns aimed at educating and empowering young girls. Through initiatives like the “Say No to Rape” campaign, Girl Child Hygiene education & Pad Drive, “Say No to Cultism”, and “Say No to Early Child Marriage” etc, GEM has reached countless students across schools. The organization also runs community engagement and rural outreach programs to provide education, mentorship, and life skills to girls in underprivileged and remote areas. Over the past decade, GEM has transformed the lives of over two thousand girls in Nigeria through skills acquisition and educational support.
In addition to her work with GEM, Chiamaka is a mentor at Genesys Tech Hub, where she helps nurture emerging talents. She is a Board member in JESMICA group, Board member ASEFoundation, Board member UJ Chunna Nig LTD, Board member St Anthony Group. She also serves as an Associate Pastor in a leading Nigerian church, where her influence extends to spiritual and personal development. There, she continues to inspire and guide others.
She is married with two kids.
Gutsy Interview with Chiamaka
- Chiamaka, your leadership journey began at the age of 19, which is incredibly impressive. What were some of the key lessons you learned from leading such a large organization at a young age, and how has that shaped your career?
Starting my leadership journey at 19 was challenging, being so young and having older people take instruction from me was quite tough but it taught me a lot. I was rounding off my second year in the university at the time. It was a tough decision making season for my life as well, as I was battling between continuing my education in my current discipline, my medical condition (I didn’t know anything about) and becoming a leader. Sometimes I had self-doubt. One of the key lessons I learned was the importance of listening to others, so I surrounded myself with mentors and role models that influenced my life positively. Even though I was young, I realized that by listening to solid people with value and content and valuing their ideas, I could achieve great things.
Another important lesson was about decision-making. I had to make tough choices, and I learned that it’s okay to ask for help and take time to make thoughtful decisions. This taught me that being a leader doesn’t mean you have to know everything; it means being open to learning and growing. Being humble, learnable and teachable was key to my growth. I learnt that before you can be a good leader, you have to be a good disciple and follower first.
I also learned the value of resilience. Leading a large organization at a young age wasn’t always easy, and there were times when things didn’t go as planned. Most nights I would cry myself to bed over some decisions I made. Having to juggle between school and making sure I keep up with good grades (because, I mean, as a leader one had to lead by example right? Lol) But these experiences taught me to keep going, even when things got tough. This resilience has been a key part of my career, helping me stay determined and focused on my goals.
Overall, these early lessons in leadership have shaped my career by making me more confident, adaptable, and committed to making a positive impact in everything I do.
- With over 10 years of experience in business analysis, strategy, and project management, how do you balance your professional career with your passion for empowering young girls through your initiative, GEM?
Balancing my professional career with my passion for empowering young girls through GEM is all about finding the connections between the two.
In my job, I use skills like planning, problem-solving, and strategy every day, and these same skills help me run GEM more effectively. The work I do with GEM, in turn, gives me a deeper sense of purpose and keeps me motivated in my career.
It’s not always easy, but because both my career and GEM are about making a difference, they complement each other. I’ve learned to manage my time well and prioritize what’s most important, ensuring that I can contribute meaningfully to both my professional work and my passion for empowering young girls.
- Congratulations to GEM INITIATIVE on her 10th year anniversary. What inspired you to found GEM INITIATIVE and continuously drives your passion for empowering the girl child?
Thank you.
Well, the inspiration to found GEM INITIATIVE came from a deep belief that every girl deserves the opportunity to reach her full potential, regardless of the challenges she faces. You will always hear me say it is a “passion project” for me. And this is because of my experiences growing up. I lost my Dad at a very young age. I saw my mum strive so hard to make sure she put us all through school despite having little or no support (we were seven of us). I am where I am today because she was a woman who never jeopardized the future of her children by giving in to weakness. She was a fighter. She also extended this belief by influencing other widows through her foundation. She will always say “I will not give each of you less than your dad would have given you if he was alive.” She became my first mentor and role model. She never believed and still do not believe there is a difference between raising a girl child and a boy child amidst the social norm of giving either of the gender lower than is expected of them. She raised us all alike promoting gender equality. I’m a living example of what I preach, when I speak to these young girls, I do out of experience. I’ve always been passionate about education and empowerment, and I saw how many girls were held back by barriers like lack of access to education, early marriage, and societal expectations.
What continuously drives my passion for empowering the girl child is seeing the incredible impact that even small efforts can have on a girl’s life. When a girl is given the tools to succeed whether it’s through education, mentorship, or simply being told that she can achieve her dreams she not only changes her future but also contributes to her community and inspires others.
Over the past 10 years, GEM INITIATIVE has grown into a movement that supports and uplifts girls, helping them to break through barriers and become leaders in their own right. The stories of transformation, the resilience of the girls we support, and the positive change we’ve seen in communities keep me motivated and committed to this cause.
Every success story is a reminder that our work matters and it’s this sense of purpose that continues to fuel my passion for GEM INITIATIVE and the empowerment of girls everywhere.
- You’ve led several impactful campaigns through GEM, including “Say No to Rape” and “Say No to Early Child Marriage.” What motivates you to keep pushing for these causes, and what has been the most significant challenge in addressing these issues?
What motivates me to keep pushing for causes like ‘Say No to Rape’ and ‘Say No to Early Child Marriage,’ Say no to girl child Molestation, etc is the belief that every girl deserves to live a life free from fear and full of opportunities. These are not just campaigns, they are about protecting the basic rights of girls and ensuring they can grow up in a safe and supportive environment. I for one was a victim of child molestation. This is not something I wish for any girl child out there. The impact these things have on the girl child is beyond comprehension. The strange thing is, the girl child never forgets; even when we eventually forgive and let go. These things affect their mental health and leaves a lasting effect on these girls. The damage most times spans through the girls’ life time making it difficult for them to navigate life easily like everyone else.
The most significant challenge in addressing these issues has been breaking the silence and stigma that often surrounds them. In many communities, talking about rape or early marriage is taboo, and this can make it difficult to bring about change. People are sometimes afraid to speak up, and there’s often resistance to acknowledging that these problems exist.
Despite these challenges, I’m motivated by the progress we’ve made and the stories of the girls who have found their voices and taken control of their futures. Knowing that our work is making a real difference, even if it’s one girl at a time, gives me the strength to keep going. It’s this hope for a better future for all girls that drives me to continue these efforts, no matter how tough the challenges may be.
- Can you share significant success stories from GEM’s campaign?
Certainly! Over the years, GEM INITIATIVE has been blessed with many success stories that remind us why our work is so important. One of the most significant successes comes from our ‘Say No to Rape’ campaign. We worked with a young survivor (whose name I will not disclose because I do not have her consent yet) who initially felt too scared and ashamed to speak out. Through our support and counseling programs, she found the strength to share her story and seek justice. Her bravery not only helped her heal but also inspired other survivors in our community to come forward. She is now an advocate for other girls, using her voice to raise awareness and help prevent similar tragedies. Her story is a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we stand up for these girls’ rights.
This story and many others like them, are what keep us going. They show that our efforts are making a real difference in the lives of these girls and their communities. Every time we help a girl reclaim her future, it’s a victory for all of us and a step closer to the world we want to create.
With your experience mentoring emerging tech talents, how do you think technology can play a role in solving issues like access to education and gender inequality for girls
I’ve been long in this industry and can tell how powerful technology can be in solving big issues like access to education and gender inequality for girls. Also, it has been a powerful tool in amplifying the voices of the girl child.
Technology can break down barriers that prevent girls from accessing education. For example, online learning platforms can reach girls in remote or underserved areas, where schools might be scarce. Through these platforms, girls can access quality education right from their homes, even in communities where traditional schooling isn’t available. This helps ensure that no matter where a girl lives, she has the opportunity to learn and grow.
Moreover, technology can provide girls with the skills they need to succeed in the modern world. By teaching girls about coding, digital literacy, and other tech-related skills, we’re not only preparing them for future careers but also empowering them to challenge gender norms and take control of their futures. These skills open up new opportunities and can help close the gender gap in fields like STEM.
Technology also plays a role in raising awareness about gender inequality. Social media and digital campaigns can amplify the voices of girls and advocates, spreading important messages and mobilizing support for gender equality on a global scale. This visibility can lead to greater awareness, policy changes, and more resources being directed toward solving these issues.
In mentoring tech talents, I’ve seen how passionate young people are about using technology to make a difference. By continuing to support and guide them, we can harness this passion to create innovative solutions that address education gaps and promote gender equality for girls everywhere.
- What policy changes would you advocate for to support girls’ education in Nigeria?
To support girls’ education in Nigeria, I would advocate for several key policy changes:
Free and Compulsory Education: First, we need policies that ensure free and compulsory education for all girls up to at least the secondary level. This would remove financial barriers that prevent many families from sending their daughters to school and make education accessible to every girl, regardless of her background.
Addressing Cultural Barriers: Policies should also focus on tackling cultural practices that discourage or prevent girls from attending school, having a say in the community, owning lands alongside her male counterpart in the family etc. Implementing and strictly enforcing laws against child marriage, alongside community awareness programs, can help shift attitudes and ensure that girls stay in school longer.
Scholarship Programs and Incentives: Offering scholarships and financial incentives to families for keeping their daughters in school can be a powerful tool. These programs can help alleviate the financial burden on families and encourage them to prioritize education for their daughters.
Improving School Infrastructure: We need policies that invest in building and maintaining safe, girl-friendly schools, especially in rural and underserved areas. This includes providing basic amenities like clean water, sanitation facilities, and safe transportation, which are crucial for ensuring that girls can attend school without facing health risks or safety concerns.
Teacher Training and Curriculum Development: It’s also important to train teachers to be sensitive to gender issues and to develop curricula that promote gender equality. Policies should support ongoing professional development for teachers and include lessons on gender equality, empowerment, and life skills as part of the school curriculum.
Technology Integration: Integrating technology into education policies can help bridge the gap for girls in remote areas. Encouraging the use of digital learning platforms and providing access to the necessary tools and internet connectivity can help girls continue their education even when physical schools are out of reach.
These policy changes would create a stronger, more supportive environment for girls’ education in Nigeria, helping to ensure that every girl has the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to her community and country.
- What are your future plans for GEM?
My future plans for GEM INITIATIVE revolve around expanding our reach and deepening our impact. We’ve made significant progress over the past decade, but there’s still so much more we can do to empower young girls.
One of our key goals is to expand our programs to reach more communities, especially in rural and underserved areas. We want to ensure that every girl, no matter where she lives, has access to education, mentorship, and opportunities that can help her reach her full potential. To do this, we plan to establish more local chapters of GEM and partner with other organizations that share our mission.
Another important focus is on enhancing our educational initiatives. We’re looking to introduce more technology-driven learning solutions, such as online courses and digital literacy programs, which can help bridge the education gap for girls in remote areas. By integrating technology into our programs, we can provide girls with the skills they need to succeed in today’s world. We are
We also want to strengthen our advocacy efforts. This means working more closely with policymakers, community leaders, and educators to create environments that support and encourage girls’ education and empowerment. We plan to launch more campaigns that raise awareness about issues like gender-based violence, early marriage, and the importance of education for girls.
Finally, we’re committed to building a sustainable future for GEM INITIATIVE. This includes securing long-term funding and developing a strong network of supporters and volunteers who are passionate about our cause. By focusing on sustainability, we can ensure that GEM continues to make a positive impact for years to come.
Overall, my vision for GEM is to create a world where every girl has the opportunity to thrive, and we’re excited to take the next steps in making that vision a reality
- What are the ways you think organizations and individuals can support GEM INITIATIVE and every other organizations making meaningful impact?
There are several meaningful ways that organizations and individuals can support GEM INITIATIVE and other organizations working to make a positive impact:
Financial Support: Donations are one of the most direct ways to help. Financial contributions allow us to fund our programs, expand our reach, and provide necessary resources like books, educational materials, and technology. Organizations can also sponsor specific projects or events, making a tangible difference in the lives of the girls we support.
Volunteering: Time and expertise are incredibly valuable. Individuals can volunteer to mentor, teach, or support our various programs. Organizations can encourage their employees to volunteer their time or offer pro bono services that align with our needs, such as legal advice, marketing, or IT support.
Partnerships: Collaborations with like-minded organizations can amplify our impact. By partnering with GEM INITIATIVE, other organizations can help us reach more communities, share resources, and create joint campaigns that raise awareness and drive change.
Raising Awareness: Spreading the word about our mission and work is crucial. Individuals can help by sharing our stories, campaigns, and successes on social media, or by organizing fundraising events in their communities. Organizations can use their platforms to highlight our work, bringing more visibility to the issues we address and the solutions we offer.
In-kind Donations: Non-monetary contributions, like books, computers, school supplies, or even office space, can be incredibly helpful. These in-kind donations allow us to direct more funds toward programmatic activities while still receiving the tools we need to operate effectively.
Advocacy: Individuals and organizations can also support us by advocating for policies that promote girls’ education and empowerment. By lending their voices to our cause, they can help create broader social change and push for legislation that supports our mission.
Sustainable Support: Long-term commitments, whether through recurring donations, ongoing partnerships, or continuous volunteer engagement, provide stability and allow us to plan and execute long-term projects that create lasting change.
By supporting GEM INITIATIVE and other organizations in these ways, both individuals and organizations can contribute to creating a better future for all, especially for the girls and communities we serve.
Thank you.
Past Projects by Mrs Chiamaka and Her Team
