For Hafsat Abdullahi, words can do much more than tell a story. They can make people think and inspire them to take action!
This young Nigerian poet, known as Havfy, writes and performs poems in front of audiences. Her work explores important topics such as girls’ education, equality, violence against women and the role of young people in society.
She grew up in northern Nigeria, where she saw that many girls did not have the same opportunities as boys. This experience inspired her to speak out and stand up for people whose voices are often ignored.
In 2022, one of her performances was part of a UNICEF initiative to help end female genital mutilation. Her words moved the audience and helped open up an important conversation.
In 2025, Havfy was selected as one of the United Nations Young Leaders for the Sustainable Development Goals.
Did you know? Havfy discovered the power of poetry through a poem by Nigerian writer Niyi Osundare, which she found in an old literature textbook belonging to her sister.
