At 20, Promise is learning two things at once: how to build a career and how to make decisions about her health.

A resident of Karu to the east of Abuja, Nigeria, Promise says life for many girls in her community can be difficult. Some struggle to continue their education, while others face health challenges or long periods without work.

“Some of the girls are out of work and they are facing a lot of issues,” she says. “Some are dealing with diseases and many are struggling with their education.”

In her view, many of these challenges come down to limited access to information and guidance.

“I think some girls are not aware,” she explains. “They don’t always have someone to support them or guide them. Some are not educated enough to have that exposure, and some just think that is how life is.”

Learning new skills

Promise herself is working toward a different path. She is currently learning the craft of makeup artistry and hopes to become a professional makeup artist. Beauty and creativity, she says, give her a sense of purpose.

“One thing that makes me feel powerful is when I’m using my skills,” she says. “My makeup skills make me feel like I have authority and power over everything.”

Like many apprentices, she has also had moments that tested her confidence. At the salon where she is training, customers sometimes hesitate to allow her to work on them when her boss is not around.

“Sometimes someone will come for makeup and if my boss is not there, they will say they don’t want me to do it,” she says. “They will say I’m still learning.”

Experiences like that can be discouraging, but for Promise they have had the opposite effect.

“I feel bad at that moment, but I tell myself I must make it,” she says. “I encourage myself to become even better.”

Her inspiration comes from many places, including Nigerian actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele whose work she admires.

“She inspires me,” Promise says.

Learning about her health

Promise’s journey also includes learning about her health and making informed decisions. She first heard about the Tiko programme through a community service provider named Naomi.

“She was very jovial when we first met,” Promise recalls. “She encouraged me and explained how everything works.”

At first, Promise had doubts about using the services.

“When they mentioned the pills, I was unsure,” she says. “But I decided to try it.”

Over time, she says the programme has helped her better understand reproductive health and the services available to her.

“I learned many things about my reproductive health and other services,” she says. “It has helped me to secure my future.”

Holding her Tiko card, she adds, gives her a sense of reassurance.

“I feel relieved,” she says. “I’m proud to be benefiting from it.”

From fear to freedom

Promise believes that programmes like this are helping girls in her community become more confident and informed.

“It’s helping girls in our community because before we were kind of afraid,” she says. “Now we are gaining experience and we feel more free.”

Still, she believes more support is needed for young women, particularly when it comes to education, skills and health awareness.

“Girls need support to develop their skills and also more awareness about health issues,” she says.

Promise also believes her generation has talents and ambitions that are often overlooked.

“There is a lot of talent among girls,” she says. “We want to work freely, protect our health and secure our future.”

For girls who may feel nervous about seeking help or taking steps toward their goals, she has simple advice.

“They should build confidence and trust themselves,” she says. “They should focus on themselves and not let anyone confuse them.”

Asked to describe herself in three words, Promise pauses briefly before answering.

“I’m an upcoming makeup artist,” she says with a smile. “I’m smart, respectful and I’m hardworking.”

For now, that combination is guiding her forward as she continues learning her craft and shaping the future she wants.