Overview
In commemoration of International Women's Day 2026, KENNA's ESG Club partnered with AIFA Reading Society and CELSIR to host a special book reading session at the Female Correctional Centre, Kirikiri, Apapa, Lagos, on March 12, 2026. Photo: CELSIR and AIFA team reading with inmates at the Female Correctional Centre. Twenty-five members of the Inmates Book Club gathered for an afternoon of reflection and conversation around "Dear Naija Girl" by Cynthia Osaji Benedict, a book exploring gender equality, gender-based violence, and the realities of being a woman in Nigeria. Through its pages, inmates engaged in discussions about patriarchy, cultural norms, and the role of women in shaping a better society.
When the conversation turned to the question, "Which tribe in Nigeria do you think is the most patriarchal?" women from different states shared personal stories about how their communities treat women. The event closed with a closing speech from Funmilayo Adeshina, KENNA's Director of Sustainability, the cutting of an International Women's Day cake, and snacks shared among inmates and facilitators. Small gestures of dignity and celebration in a space often marked by isolation. The initiative reflects KENNA's commitment to advancing gender equality and social impact, ensuring that every woman, regardless of circumstance, is seen, heard, and celebrated.
