Akpevweoghene Okuse is a Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) advocate and Program Officer at Her Voice Foundation, where she works to advance adolescent empowerment, gender equity, and inclusive education. Her work focuses on equipping adolescents, young mothers, and women with the knowledge, resources, and opportunities needed to make informed decisions about their health, education, and economic futures.
Learn more about her work and be inspired
Akpevweoghene’s commitment to SRHR advocacy was shaped during her first year at the University of Calabar. Sharing a room with a fellow student who lacked access to proper menstrual health products exposed her to a reality she had not previously confronted, one where menstruation is managed in silence and discomfort due to limited resources and information. This experience reshaped her understanding of period poverty and revealed that it was not a distant issue, but one present in everyday spaces such as classrooms and hostels. As her awareness deepened, she also began to observe adolescent girls missing school, struggling quietly, and feeling ashamed simply because they were menstruating. These experiences solidified her resolve to work in SRHR and community development, particularly in areas where education, health, and gender equality intersect.
Her Work and Impact
Through her work at Her Voice Foundation, Akpevweoghene supports initiatives that help adolescents and young mothers access accurate SRHR information, develop life skills, and remain engaged in education. Her efforts contribute to creating safe learning environments where girls can ask questions, build confidence, and make informed decisions about their bodies and futures. One of her most notable achievements has been supporting outreach efforts that have reached over 5000 adolescent girls with SRHR education and menstrual health support. These interventions have helped girls better understand their bodies, remain in school, and challenge stigma surrounding menstruation and adolescent health. Beyond numbers, her impact is reflected in the confidence of girls who can participate fully in school, and young mothers who are supported to return to education through second-chance learning opportunities.
Challenges and How She Navigates Them
Akpevweoghene’s work has involved navigating persistent challenges, particularly cultural resistance and stigma surrounding menstruation, adolescent sexuality, and girls’ education. Time constraints within school settings also limit the depth of engagement possible during educational sessions. In response, she has adopted a collaborative and culturally sensitive approach, working with teachers, school administrators, and community leaders to build trust and sustain access. Her strategy emphasises clarity, empathy, and consistency, ensuring that even limited engagements leave lasting understanding and practical knowledge.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Akpevweoghene envisions a future where adolescents, especially girls in rural and underserved communities, are informed, confident, and supported to make decisions that shape their lives positively. She hopes to see strengthened systems that ensure periods are not a barrier to education, and that young mothers are given genuine opportunities to return to school and pursue their aspirations. Her long-term goal is to contribute to communities where SRHR education, gender equity, and inclusive learning are normalised, and where girls’ rights and dignity are fully respected.
Advice to Young People
Akpevweoghene encourages young people who aspire to create impact to remain committed to purpose and community. She believes meaningful change begins with listening, consistency, and courage, especially when challenging harmful norms. For her, sustainable impact is built through patience, collaboration, and an unwavering focus on people.
Connect to Akpevwe here, LinkedIn | Facebook
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