Investing in girls' education and leadership is essential for advancing gender equality. On October 3, She’s the First and Rise Up hosted a virtual event, "The Power of Girls' Education and Leadership: A Spotlight on Africa," to highlight the efforts of young leaders transforming their communities. Alumni from both organizations discussed the challenges and potential of girls' education in Africa, with She’s the First Girls Advisory Council members Sukeji Modi and Njeri emphasizing the role of local leadership and mentorship in tackling issues like teen pregnancy and menstrual poverty.
"Let Girls Lead"
Joan Kembabazi is a 25-year-old feminist activist who champions an end to child marriage and girls' education in Uganda. Joan is the Founder and Team leader of Gufasha Girls Foundation and is currently a fellow in She’s the First’s Girl-Centered Incubator.
An Essay About Leadership and its Challenges
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.
I am Powerful
By Abigael Mutheu, a student at She’s the First’s partner Savana Kitui
I am powerful, so powerful indeed
I can make choices in my own
I am powerful, so powerful indeed
I can chose what is right and
wrong I am so powerful
I say No to early marriages,
I am powerful, so powerful indeed
I am powerful because I am made
fearfully and wonderfully made
I can say no to female genital
Mutilation (FGM)
I am powerful, so powerful indeed
Nobody should make choices
for me.
I am powerful, I can make my choices
alone
I am powerful, so powerful indeed
Abigael and Mary Mutheu are girls in She’s the First’s partner program Savana Kitui in Kenya. Abby wrote the poem above as a Girl Gazette advocacy activity, and the two of them made this activism poster together.
The Girl Gazette is Here!
The latest edition of The Girl Gazette is here! This edition features a powerful poem about girls' leadership, an important essay about a patriarchal community, and artwork that encourages girls to end period stigma and feel good about their bodies.
The Girl Gazette shares girls' voices from around the world who work with our Partner Coalition organizations. Girls from She’s the First’s Partner Coalition express themselves through art, poetry, and essays about their experiences.
Education! Education! Education!
By Hellen Kiden Angelo, South Sudan, a student with our partner Caring Hearts Initiative for Community Development
Education! Education! Education!
Education is the key to life
When people look at me,
They see I am different from others
My religion, my colour my blood
They think I am not educated
But I am proud of myself for not giving up
for loving my family
for wanting help my country
and for getting my education
My religion is peaceful, my colour is beautiful
My blood is Somali
My mother pushed me to get my education
Even through when I was young
I thought I was punishment
But now I cherish what I have learned
Knowing that without education I would be lifeless
Education is what make me to be a brave girl
Without education I am nothing
Hellen’s poem was also published in the September 2024 edition of The Girl Gazette, a biannual publication of artwork, poetry, and essays by girls in the She’s the First partner coalition.
I am Wonderfully Made
By Lucy Mutheu, Kenya, Savana Kitui
I am wonderfully made,
I appreciate my body,
I love and respect my body,
Oh! my body my choice.
Seeking for guidance and counseling,
Whenever i am troubled,
Will always help to became a better person,
Oh! my body my choice.
Nobody should touch me,
Nobody should abuse me because of my body,
I will always accept my body
Oh! my body my choice.
Lucy’s poem was also published in the September 2024 edition of The Girl Gazette, a biannual publication of artwork, poetry, and essays by girls in the She’s the First partner coalition.
My Body, My Choice
By Yassin Jarju, 15, a student in The Gambia with our partner Starfish International
In a world where choices are made,
my body, my voice will never fade.
For I am a girl, strong and true,
menstruation is a part of me too.
It's a natural cycle, a sign of life,
bringing strength and power
I embrace it with love, for it's a gift,
a reminder of the beauty that my body uplifts,
So let's celebrate the freedom we possess,
to make choices that honor our happiness.
for my body is mine, and I have a voice,
to stand up, to be heard, to make my own choice.
To all the girls out there, remember, you have the power,
to embrace your body, to accept yourself and to love yourself.
Together, we stand, strong and true,
supporting each other, me and you.
With respect and love, we'll always rejoice,
for our bodies are ours, and we have a choice.
In this journey of life, you're in control,
with every decision, let your spirit unfold.
No one else can define who I am,
my body is mine, a precious gem,
I embrace my body, and make all the choices
choices about me, choices about who I am.
I stand tall, with confidence and pride,
in my body, my sanctuary, where I reside.
I make the choices that feel right for me.
for my body is mine, and I am free.
A quote from Yassin’s poem was also published in the September 2024 edition of The Girl Gazette, a biannual publication of artwork, poetry, and essays by girls in the She’s the First partner coalition.
Hot Off the Presses: The Girl Gazette!
Going Beyond the Book: Behind-the-Scenes of “Safiya Speaks Up”
We’re proud to launch of Safiya Speaks Up, a children’s book and mentor’s guide written by girls between the ages of 15 and 21 from the She’s the First’s Girl Activist Fellowship. This “tell-all” is a memoir of the stories behind the book, as well as the memories we shared throughout its creation.