Delay Marriage Promote Schooling for Ugandan Girls

Dear Partners and Friends,

Joy for Children Uganda is delighted to share highlights from the recent International Day of the Girl Child (IDGC) 2025 celebrations held at the National Theatre in Kampala. This year’s celebration was guided by the inspiring theme, “The Girl: I Am the Change, I Lead – Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis.” The theme emphasized the critical role girls play as leaders and change-makers, particularly in addressing social, economic, and community challenges.

The event provided a vibrant platform for young girls to showcase their skills, including poetry, drama, and musical performances, while also sharing their views, experiences, and the challenges they face in education, safety, and leadership. Through their creative expressions, the girls highlighted the barriers that continue to affect them, including gender stereotypes, limited access to decision-making spaces, and societal expectations. At the same time, the celebration recognized key milestones achieved in challenging these stereotypes and promoting girls’ empowerment in Uganda, including increased school participation, leadership initiatives, and advocacy for safe learning environments.

Throughout the event, girls’ voices were central to the discussions, with participants expressing recommendations to strengthen protection, education, and leadership opportunities for girls. They emphasized the importance of mentorship, supportive school and community environments, and the active inclusion of girls in designing programs that affect them. For example, one participant urged, “We need more spaces in our schools and communities where girls can speak freely, lead initiatives, and receive guidance from mentors.” These insights not only highlighted the girls’ resilience and agency but also provided valuable guidance for stakeholders, including government bodies, civil society organizations, schools, and families.

Joy for Children Uganda remains committed to amplifying girls’ voices, promoting their leadership, and ensuring their protection and empowerment across communities. The #IDGC2025 celebrations reaffirmed that girls are not merely beneficiaries of interventions but active participants driving change in their communities.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our donors and partners whose support makes it possible for girls to lead, express themselves, and achieve their full potential despite the challenges they face.