UNITE FOR GIRLS: CELEBRATE, EMPOWER AND PROTECT THE GIRL CHILD

The Unite for Girls event was in honour of the international day of the girl child and served as a powerful reminder of why every effort to uplift, educate and protect the girl child matters. This event was organized by Raising Teenagers Uganda in partnership with Wezesha Girls Network Uganda to celebrate girls’ voices, empower their potential and strengthen community action to protect them. It was held under the theme “Celebrate, Empower and Protect the Girl Child.”  This event brought together students, parents, teachers, community leaders and champions who are united by a shared mission to ensure every girl in Uganda can grow, learn and thrive. 

In the opening remarks by our team leader Hope Nankunda, she emphasized that the day was not just about words but about action. She spoke about the importance of creating environments where girls feel safe, valued and supported to reach their full potential. “Empowering girls is a shared responsibility,” she noted, “and when we come together, we create lasting change.”

The first highlight of the event came from two young girls representing Mt. Olive School Namugongo, whose presentation moved the audience to applause and admiration. They passionately shared their involvement in the Child Raise Child Project, a student led initiative where children support fellow children who face barriers to education. Through this project, they have mobilized food and scholastic materials to help their peers stay in school and this proved that even at a young age, girls have the power to lead, give and make a difference. ‘We may be young, but we can help each other even with a small amount of 500 shillings, you will have helped a child to find food, eat a kindazi. No matter how small, every contribution matters.’ Their presentation showed the spirit of unity and compassion that the Unite for Girls campaign stands for. It reminded everyone in the room that when children stand together, they create waves of change that ripple through families and communities. Their confidence, eloquence and compassion captured the essence of the day’s theme; celebrating what girls can do, empowering them to take initiative and protecting their dreams from being cut short by social or economic challenges.

The second highlight of the day was from our guest speaker, Jackie Asiimwe who delivered a heartfelt message that resonated deeply with everyone in the room. She encouraged the audience not to tire in their pursuit of creating safer spaces for girls. She reminded participants that true impact comes when people work hand in hand. “Alone, one might not do much but together, we can move mountains.” To emphasize this point, she concluded with an African proverb that captured the spirit of the day: “A single bangle does not jingle, but several of them together create a melodious tune.” She compared this proverb to the Unite for Girls movement, and it was a call for individuals, organizations and communities to come together because while one voice can raise awareness, many voices united can create a lasting transformation. “Alone, you will struggle,” she said, “but together, we make a beautiful sound for the girls in Uganda.”

Every speech, performance and testimony at the event carried a central message; that every girl deserves a fair chance at life. Whether through mentorship, education, nutrition or safety initiatives, each stakeholder has a role to play in ensuring that girls not only survive but thrive. This year’s Unite for Girls event was not just a celebration, it was a reminder that the fight for girls’ rights continues beyond the walls of the event hall. It continues in classrooms where teachers mentor young minds, in homes where parents choose to listen and guide with love and in communities where leaders make decisions that protect the most vulnerable.

The Unite for Girls event reminded us that when communities, partners and individuals come together, we create spaces where girls can thrive, imagine boldly and lead confidently. The stories, voices and initiatives we shared are a testament to the transformative power of support, mentorship and advocacy. 

Compiled by: Mbabazi Pillar