By Keji Tranquillo, a girl with our partner Crown the Woman in South Sudan
“Leadership is not all about control or power, it’s about inspiring and guiding the way. It’s about creating a culture of trust and respect and leading by example everyday. ”
Leadership is the ability to guide, inspire and influence others to do a particular thirst.
A leader is a person in position or authority.
Firstly, leadership in school is essential for setting clear goals and visions for the institution. Leaders or prefects in the school, along with the head of the school and teachers have a shared understanding of where the school is headed and what it hopes to achieve. This shared vision provides direction and motivation for everyone involved in school, from teachers to staffs to students and parents.
Leadership in schools is vital for creating a positive and supportive learning environment. Good leaders understand the Importance of fostering a sense of community and belonging among students. They create opportunities for students to work together, solve problems collaboratively, and celebrate their achievements. This encourages students to take pride in their school and motivates them to perform better academically.
One of the biggest challenges facing girls in school is gender stereotypes and bias. Girls may be discouraged from pursuing certain subjects or activities because they are not considered appropriate for their gender and it can lead to lower self-esteem and academic performance but as a head girl of the school, I plan to promote gender equality by organising seminars and meeting for students and educate them about the importance of respecting each other’s choice and abilities regardless of gender.
Another challenge facing girls in schools is sexual harassment and violence. Unfortunately, girls can be subjected to unwanted sexual advances, comments, and even physical violence, which can create a hostile learning environment. but as a headgirl, I plan to implement a strong anti-harassment policy that clearly defines what constitutes harassment and outlines the consequences for those who violate it. I also plan to ensure that this policy is enforced and that victims of harassment have access to support services.
As the head girl of the school, I plan to actively seek out and promote female leaders within the school community. This involves mentoring programs, professional development opportunities, and highlighting the achievements of female staff members.
In conclusion, as a leader in my school, I am committed to addressing the challenges facing girls in education and finding ways to solve them through education. Leadership is not all about control or power; it’s about inspiring and guiding the way. It’s about creating a culture of trust and respect and leading by example every day.