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the girls are exhausted and extremely hungry.
Challenges faced by these girls contribute to higher poverty levels within both the country and the
community. To understand these challenges and the need for educational opportunities, Broughton asked
Momodu about her school and the girls in her school.

Broughton: What are some of the benefits of an education for girls in your
community?
Momodu: Educating girls has a transformative impact—it reduces the number of girls on the streets,
confined to their homes, or forced into a life of poverty. It improves family incomes and strengthens
economic growth within the community. Without education, many girls are forced into early marriages,
street hawking, or minimum wage jobs. We aim to break the cycle of poverty through education. We want
to empower girls through education by striving for equity and providing them opportunities to thrive and
have a brighter future.

Broughton: You mentioned street hawking as a significant issue. Can you explain
more about that?
Momodu: Street hawking involves girls selling items such as soft drinks, bottled water, or snacks in
heavy-traffic areas. They carry heavy trays or baskets of goods and move from one location to another. It’s
a common reality for girls from economically disadvantaged families to earn money this way.

Broughton: What steps has your school taken to address some of these challenges?
Momodu: At Zaimani’s Girls’ School, we subsidize tuition for community girls and offer scholarships
to help cover education costs. We also focus on creating a safe and supportive environment for them.
For example, we do not allow male teachers, and we emphasize teaching techniques to accommodate
the diverse needs of our
students.

Broughton:
Despite these
efforts, significant
barriers remain in
your community.
What are some of
the most pressing
challenges girls in
your community
face?
Momodu: Kidnapping
and harmful gender-
based/domestic violence
are major obstacles.
Over the years, many
families have kept their
daughters at home,
fearing they’ll be
kidnapped.
Zaimani’s Girls School, Bida, Niger State, Nigeria

Collegial Exchange · 15