The Renewed Glowing Education District has once again recorded an outstanding achievement as Nusaybah Abdul-Akeem, a student of Iwerekun Community Senior High School, Ibeju-Lekki, representing Education District III, emerged the overall winner of the 2025 HACEY Creative Writing Competition.
EpeInsights gathered that Nusaybah’s winning prose, titled “Menstrual Health Stigma: Breaking the Silence,” captivated the judges with its compelling narrative and social relevance.
The story explores the life of a young girl growing up in an underdeveloped village where menstruation is shrouded in secrecy and treated as a taboo. Through the character’s experiences, Nusaybah sheds light on the harmful myths and stigmas that many girls face during their monthly cycle.
The turning point in the story comes when an aunt returns from the city and begins educating the community about menstruation, dispelling misconceptions and encouraging open dialogue.
The narrative emphasizes that menstruation is a natural biological process, not a source of shame and calls for a cultural shift toward understanding and respect for the girl child.
In her writing, Nusaybah passionately advocates for menstrual health awareness, urging society to empower girls with accurate information and to dismantle the stigma that hinders their confidence and participation in everyday life.
The HACEY Creative Writing Competition is an initiative of HACEY Health Initiative, a Nigerian non-profit organization committed to advancing the health and empowerment of women, girls, and youth.
The contest forms part of HACEY’s annual Girl Summit activities, which aim to promote gender equality, amplify girls’ voices, and inspire young people to champion social change through creative expression.
Speaking on the significance of the competition, HACEY Health Initiative reaffirmed its mission to create platforms that encourage young people to engage in conversations around gender issues, health, and social inclusion.
The organisation also commended all participants for their creativity and courage in addressing sensitive but vital topics.
Nusaybah’s victory stands as a testament to the quality of education and mentorship in Education District III, as well as the commitment of teachers and administrators who continue to nurture excellence among students.
Her achievement not only brings pride to Iwerekun Community Senior High School but also reinforces the importance of empowering girls to use their voices to drive positive change in society.
With this win, Nusaybah joins a growing list of young advocates using storytelling as a tool to challenge stereotypes and inspire awareness on critical social issues proving once again that the pen remains a powerful instrument for change.
