Raising Girl Champions: Empowering Young Girls to Lead

Together with other partners, we joined Concern for the Girl Child in celebration of strength, leadership and courage at the Central Region Activation of the Girl Champion Awards 2025. This event marked a key moment in the journey to honor and amplify the voices of girls who are creating change in their communities.

The highlight was our team leader delivering her keynote speech as the guest of honor for the day, whose speech moved hearts and minds of the participants. Her message underscored the event’s purpose, not just to celebrate the brilliance of girls but to also protect them from the silent dangers they face, particularly in a rapidly evolving digital world. She reminded us that the dangers threatening girls today are not always loud or visible. Her words drew deep reflection from participants, especially the young girls who are increasingly navigating social spaces both online and offline. The message emphasized the importance of awareness, boundaries and digital safety education, partners to be more present in the lives of their children. As Raising Teenagers Uganda, we believe this kind of truth-telling is important because girls cannot lead if they are fearful, silenced or unsafe. That is why our presence at the activation was not only to cheer on emerging leaders but also to remind communities that protection is part of empowerment. 

The Girl Champion Awards initiative was created to spotlight and celebrate girls who are making meaningful contributions in their communities. Whether through activism, innovation, mentorship or resilience in the face of adversity. The Central Region activation served as a platform to identify such leaders and inspire more girls to step forward.  Participants heard young girls leading initiatives in menstrual health, environmental conservation, child protection and education advocacy. These stories of impact were not only inspiring but also evidence of what girls can achieve when given the space, support and recognition they deserve. At Raising Teenagers Uganda, we know that recognition is a powerful motivator. When girls are seen and celebrated, they rise higher and they take others with them.

Another highlight of the event was the Miss CGC Contest, where confident and passionate young girls took to the stage not just to compete for a crown, but to showcase their dreams, advocacy and sense of responsibility. Unlike traditional beauty pageants, Miss CGC is a leadership and purpose-driven contest, where contestants are judged on their communication skills, knowledge of girls’ rights, community service and vision for the future. Each contestant stood tall not to impress but to express. The contest became a platform of power and possibility, reminding everyone that today’s girls are not waiting to lead tomorrow. They are leading now. 

We remain committed to walking alongside girls by mentoring them, protecting them and creating spaces where they can grow into their full potential. Through initiatives like Girls Matter Clubs, #TeensWithMentors and our continued advocacy for positive parenting, we continue to equip girls with life skills, confidence and create platforms for them to shine.  The Girl Champion Awards remind us that Uganda is full of remarkable girls and all they need is a little encouragement, support and safety to thrive. The event showed us that even in their teenage years, girls are capable of leading, influencing and reshaping their communities. Let us continue to celebrate and elevate girl champions across Uganda and ensure that their leadership journeys are met with respect, safety and opportunity. Because when we raise girls right, we raise nations stronger.

Compiled by: Pillar Mbabazi