Registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, Nigeria · RC 9052560In danger right now? Call 112, free from any phone in Nigeria
Knowledge Centre · Events
Events and campaign days
These are the days the world stops to think about students, girls, women and human rights. We use each one to reach more people, and we would love you to join us.
Coming up
The days we mark, and why they matter
11 October 2026International Day of the Girl
Who started it
The United Nations General Assembly, in December 2011. It was first marked on 11 October 2012.
Why it matters
Girls face unfair barriers to safety, school and health simply because they are girls. The day puts their rights and voices first.
The goal
Every girl safe, in school and heard. UNICEF’s 2026 focus is ending child marriage and investing in girls’ rights.
How AHERI marks it: Girls share their voices on safety and the right to learn, in schools and on social media.
25 November to 10 December 202616 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence
Who started it
Activists at the first Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991. The Center for Women’s Global Leadership still coordinates it.
Why it matters
It runs from the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women to Human Rights Day, to show that violence against women is a human rights violation.
The goal
Prevent and end violence against women and girls, everywhere.
How AHERI marks it: Know Your Rights Outreach in every active state, and survivor support on the CARE HUB.
10 December 2026Human Rights Day
Who started it
The United Nations General Assembly, to mark the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted on 10 December 1948.
Why it matters
The Declaration says every person is born free and equal in dignity and rights. Many people still do not know or enjoy those rights.
The goal
Dignity, equality and justice for every person.
How AHERI marks it: Know Your Rights sessions and a new AHERI policy brief.
24 January 2027International Day of Education
Who started it
The United Nations General Assembly, in December 2018. It was first marked in 2019.
Why it matters
Education is a human right and the surest way out of poverty, yet millions of children are out of school.
The goal
Inclusive, fair and good quality education for all (Sustainable Development Goal 4).
How AHERI marks it: Life Direction Clinics and scholarship guidance for students.
8 March 2027International Women’s Day
Who started it
Women’s movements in the early 1900s. It was first marked in 1911, and the United Nations began marking it in 1975.
Why it matters
Women still earn less, own less and face more violence than men in many places.
The goal
Equal rights, safety and opportunity for every woman and girl.
How AHERI marks it: Know Your Rights sessions for women and girls, and a celebration of women leaders.
27 May 2027Children’s Day, Nigeria
Who started it
Nigeria, first marked in 1964.
Why it matters
To celebrate children and draw attention to their welfare, safety and rights.
The goal
Every Nigerian child safe, healthy, learning and heard.
How AHERI marks it: A campaign for every child’s right to learn safely.
16 June 2027Day of the African Child
Who started it
The Organisation of African Unity, now the African Union, in 1991.
Why it matters
It honours the students killed in the 1976 Soweto uprising in South Africa, who marched for the right to a good education in their own language.
The goal
Children’s rights, protection and education across Africa.
How AHERI marks it: Student voices on school safety and wellbeing.
12 August 2027International Youth Day
Who started it
The United Nations General Assembly, in 1999. It was first marked in 2000.
Why it matters
Young people are the largest part of Nigeria’s population, yet they are often left out of decisions about their future.
The goal
Bring youth issues to the attention of the world and celebrate young people as partners in change.
How AHERI marks it: Life Direction Clinics for youths and an online youth forum.
10 October 2027World Mental Health Day
Who started it
The World Federation for Mental Health, in 1992.
Why it matters
Mental health is part of health, yet many people still suffer in silence because of stigma, cost and distance.
The goal
Raise awareness and mobilise support for mental health for everyone.
How AHERI marks it: School wellbeing sessions and a CARE HUB open day.
Past
Past campaigns
10 October 2026World Mental Health Day
Who started it
The World Federation for Mental Health, in 1992.
Why it matters
Mental health is part of health, yet many people still suffer in silence.
The goal
The 2026 theme was “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change”.
How AHERI marks it: School wellbeing sessions and a CARE HUB open day.
27 May 2026Children’s Day: Some Children Are Not Home
Who started it
Nigeria, first marked in 1964.
Why it matters
Our campaign on school abductions and every child’s right to learn safely.
The goal
Every child safe at school and back home.
How AHERI marks it: A national awareness campaign on social media.
