SHAPING THE FUTURE FOR ALL WOMEN AND GIRLS: RTU AT CSW70

We  are proud to have been part of the recently concluded NGO CSW Forum 70, one of the world’s biggest gatherings focused on advancing the rights and opportunities of women and girls. This global space brought together leaders, Members of Parliament, civil society organizations, activists, and advocates from across the world, all committed to one goal: creating a better, more equal future for women and girls.

Raising Teenagers Uganda is honoured to have been part of these high-level conversations, as we were fully represented by our team leader, Hope Nankunda. Through her presence and participation, the voices of the girls and communities we serve were carried to a global platform where real decisions and commitments are shaped. During the forum, powerful conversations were held around issues that affect women and girls every day, such as child marriage, access to education, leadership, and breaking harmful gender norms. These discussions reminded everyone that change does not only happen at the global level, but also starts within our homes, communities, and everyday actions.

One of the highlights of our participation was co-hosting a side event together with Fulfilling the Promise of Opportunity (FPWA) and The Esther Institute for the Advancement of Women and Girls under the theme “Power in Every Voice: Women Leading the Fight for Justice and Equality.” This session brought together inspiring women leaders and advocates who shared their experiences, lessons, and ideas on how to create lasting change. The message was clear: every voice matters, and when women speak up and lead, transformation happens.

Gender equality is not something new or foreign; it is something that already exists within our values as communities. Respect, dignity, fairness, and justice are things we all understand, and these are the same values that guide the fight for women’s rights.

Our team leader, Hope Nankunda, also took part in many other important sessions and meetings. She engaged with different partners, including grantees of the Girls Opportunity Alliance and the Tides Foundation, at a breakfast meeting where organizations shared ideas, challenges, and solutions on how to better support girls and young women. These spaces showed the power of collaboration and how working together can create a bigger impact. In many of these discussions, a strong message stood out: ending challenges like child marriage and inequality requires everyone’s effort.

Another highlight was the session and gathering organized by Girls Not Brides, a global partnership committed to ending child marriage. This convening brought together advocates, partners, and leaders working tirelessly to eliminate child marriage and protect the rights of girls. During this session, a powerful call to action was shared, encouraging everyone, regardless of their position, to speak up and take responsibility in ending child marriage.

The message was clear: you do not need to be in a position of power to create change. Whether engaging policymakers, community leaders, parents, or even having conversations within our own homes, everyone has a role to play. Change starts with speaking up, educating others, and taking action where you are. This gathering strengthened the urgency of collective action and the importance of ensuring that the next decade is one where child marriage is no longer a reality for girls. It also aligned strongly with the work we do as we continue to advocate for the rights, safety, and empowerment of girls in our communities.

Another important takeaway from the forum was the discussion on legal empowerment strategies for cultural transformation. Conversations emphasized the importance of working with local leaders such as village councils and faith leaders to challenge harmful practices and reshape community norms. It was a powerful reminder that gender equality is not foreign to our cultures, but rather rooted in shared values of dignity, justice, and respect for human rights.

Throughout all these engagements, our team leader made sure to share the real stories and experiences of girls from the communities we work with. She spoke about the challenges they face and highlighted the strength, resilience, and potential they carry. She also shared the work we do at Raising Teenagers Uganda through mentorship, advocacy, and community programs to support girls and help them build better futures. Her participation reflects her strong leadership journey, including being an alumna of the African Women Leadership Institute, which continues to shape and empower women leaders across Africa.

Being part of CSW70 was not just about attending sessions; it was about ensuring that the voices of our communities are heard where it matters most. It was about connecting local realities to global conversations and ensuring that decisions made at the international level reflect what is happening on the ground.

As the event came to an end, one thing was clear: the work does not stop here. The conversations we had, the connections we built, and the lessons we learned must now be turned into action.

We are truly grateful to everyone who made these engagements possible and to all those who continue to stand with us on this journey. Being part of NGO CSW Forum 70 is a milestone we are proud of, and it strengthens our commitment to keep pushing for change.

At Raising Teenagers Uganda, we believe that when we come together, share our stories, and support one another, we can build a world where every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive. Because at the end of the day, every voice matters—and every voice has the power to create change.