Menu
Every woman has a story. These are the stories of resilience, courage, and transformation from the communities we serve.
Lives Transformed
Success Stories
Returned to School
Businesses Started
“Before Illuminate Her Foundation came to our village, I thought my dreams of continuing education were over. Now I am training to become a seamstress and teaching other girls what I learned about health.”
— Adaeze, 19
Adaeze was one of the first girls we reached in our initial outreach in Ekiti State. At 16, she had dropped out of school due to period poverty - lacking access to sanitary products and facing stigma around menstruation. Through our menstrual hygiene program, she not only received essential supplies but also gained the confidence to return to her community as a peer educator. Today, she runs a small tailoring business while mentoring younger girls.
Each story represents a life transformed, a barrier overcome, and a future reimagined. These women are not just beneficiaries — they are change-makers.
Age 17
Returned to school after receiving educational support and menstrual hygiene resources. Now dreams of becoming a nurse.
“I no longer have to miss school every month. I can focus on my studies now.”
Age 24
Learned soap-making through our skill acquisition program and now supports her family with her small business.
“The skills I learned gave me independence. I can now provide for my children.”
Age 15
Became a menstrual health ambassador in her school after attending our workshop, educating over 50 classmates.
“I used to be ashamed. Now I teach other girls that our bodies are nothing to be ashamed of.”
Age 21
Transformed from a program participant to a volunteer coordinator, organizing outreach events in her community.
“Illuminate Her showed me what's possible. Now I want to show others.”
Age 18
Received scholarship support and menstrual products, enabling her to complete secondary school with distinction.
“Every girl deserves the chance to learn. I'm grateful I got mine.”
Age 28
Trained in beadmaking and hairdressing, now runs a beauty salon and employs two other young women.
“From having nothing to having a business - this is what empowerment looks like.”
Statistics tell part of our story, but the real impact is measured in changed lives. Every girl who returns to school, every woman who starts a business, every community that breaks the silence around menstrual health — these are our true measures of success.
We document these stories not just to celebrate progress, but to remind ourselves and our supporters why this work matters. Each story fuels our commitment to reach more communities and transform more lives.
Report increased confidence
Continue education or training
If you have been part of our programs and would like to share your story to inspire others, we would love to hear from you. Your journey could be the encouragement someone else needs.
Every donation creates an opportunity for another woman to write her own story of transformation. Join us in empowering the next generation of change-makers.