Delay Marriage Promote Schooling for Ugandan Girls

We are excited to share the outcomes of our recent post-International Day of the Girl Child (IDGC) celebrations, themed “Girls’ Vision for the Future.” This event, held on 24^th October, 2024, provided a platform for girls to voice their challenges and aspirations. We engaged civil society organizations (CSOs), government representatives, educators, and the girls themselves, to address critical issues affecting girls in our society.

The celebrations took place at Skyz Hotel Naguru, bringing together over 30 participants. We were honored to have Mr. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, the Minister of Youth and Children Affairs, as the guest of honor. His presence and insights greatly enriched the discussions surrounding girls’ rights and protection.

The objectives of the event included creating a safe space for girls to express their issues and aspirations, facilitating dialogue between girls and influential figures in the community regarding girls' rights and protection, and raising awareness about the systemic issues affecting girls' education and safety.

During the event, girls shared personal stories addressing various challenges, including access to education, safety and security concerns, and health and well-being issues. They spoke about barriers to school attendance, economic hardships and harassment

A key highlight was the panel discussion featuring prominent representatives from the Ministry of Education and Sports, local police, and CSOs. Panelists included Mrs. Mary Mutende Commissioner for Basic Education, Ministry of Education and sports, Mr. Iddi Mayanja, Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social Development, SSP Adeke Esher Tumusiime Uganda Police Child and Family Protection Unit, and Lillian Nalwoga, Senior program Manager MEMPROW. The discussion provided valuable insights into government policies aimed at promoting girls' education and safety, the legal protections available to them, and the importance of community engagement in safeguarding girls’ rights.

Following the panel, a preliminary dialogue session allowed girls to pose questions directly to the panelists. This engagement fostered empowerment and encouraged open dialogue about their rights and future prospects.

The event resulted in empowered voices, with many girls expressing feeling heard and validated, reporting increased confidence in discussing their rights and challenges. The involvement of key stakeholders highlighted a commitment to addressing the issues raised and working collaboratively to support girls in our community. Additionally, panelists provided actionable recommendations for ongoing support, including mentorship programs and policy advocacy.

The “Girls’ Vision for the Future” celebrations were a profound success, encouraging an environment where girls felt empowered to share their experiences and engage with influential community leaders. Your generous support has been instrumental in creating a platform for change and advocacy for girls’ rights in Uganda. We extend our sincere gratitude to all donors, volunteers, and partners who made this event possible. Your commitment to the empowerment of girls is invaluable. Thank you for your continued support!