By Ekene Okolo

Welcome to the first edition of YNCSD’s relaunched Feminist Series! We’re kicking things off with a powerful conversation with our very own Ekene, YNCSD’s Technical Delivery and Impact Lead, who just got back from an incredible trip to Mombasa, Kenya. He represented YNCSD at the Reproductive Health Network of Kenya Conference 2025, and we got all the tea!

So, what was the conference all about?

The goal was immense: to establish partnerships across Africa and develop stronger policies to promote sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). It was about connecting the dots and uniting forces to make real change happen.

Why was it so important for YNCSD to be in the room?

YNCSD is a youth-led organisation, Ekene said. Being there wasn’t just about showing up; it was about sharing our voice on a global stage. We brought lessons from our work in Nigeria, especially in combating harmful practices like child marriage and FGM, so others can learn and adapt what works.

Your abstract framed child marriage as “an act of violence.” Why use that language?

This is where it gets real. In places like Kaduna, child marriage is often seen as normal. But Ekene broke it down. He said,  “Whatever infringes on your rights is a form of violence.” Child marriage strips girls of their childhood, education, and future. It’s not just a “harmful practice.” It’s violence and naming it that changes everything.

What was the most memorable moment?

Between back-to-back sessions (he didn’t get back to his hotel till 10 PM some nights), one conversation really stuck with him. During a session on youth inclusion, Ekene spoke up about tokenism, that thing where young people are invited to the table but not really heard.

His take? “It’s not about kicking older generations out. It’s about collaboration.” The youths bring fresh ideas, while the older generation brings experience. Together, they’re unstoppable.

What did you bring back to Nigeria?

So. Much. Two big takeaways:

1.  Safeguarding is everything. It goes beyond policy documents; it’s a mindset. How we work with vulnerable people, especially survivors of violence, matters deeply.

2.  Cyber safety is feminist safety. As a feminist organisation in the Global South, we’re targets online. Ekene emphasised using strong, encrypted passwords (no longer using one password for everything).

How can our readers help end child marriage?

Ekene’s answer? AWARENESS.

He said, “We need to clang that cymbal, make that noise, sound that alarm.” Child marriage is only “normal” because we’ve accepted it. It’s time to reject it and reject it loudly.