- July 20, 2023
- Posted by: admin
- Category: Rights & Accountability
Bugiri District, Uganda — In a society where gender norms dictated that girls should be seen and not heard, 22-year-old Habene Betty, a resident of Bugiri District, had experienced firsthand the challenges of growing up as a girl in a rural setting. Betty’s journey, filled with discrimination, limited opportunities, and social constraints, took a transformative turn when the “She Leads” project stepped in to change the narrative.
The “She Leads” project, driven by a mission to amplify girls’ voices and challenge negative social norms, was a ray of hope for Betty. It offered her the chance to break free from the constraints that held her back and become a leader in her community.
Finding Her Voice and Purpose
Before “She Leads,” Betty felt relegated to the background during clan meetings. Men made all the decisions, and girls like her were never given the opportunity to share their perspectives. This lack of agency and control over her life made her feel like being a girl was a curse.
Additionally, Betty faced sexual harassment and discrimination, further deepening her belief that she had limited potential simply because of her gender. This injustice fueled her desire to defy the norm and act like a boy to gain the respect and opportunities she deserved.
The Turning Point
With the intervention of the “She Leads” project, Betty’s perspective shifted drastically. The program provided her with a platform to share her experiences and empowered her to speak up about the challenges faced by girls in her community.
Through various engagements, such as radio talk shows and panel discussions, Betty’s voice was heard not only in her local community but on a broader scale. She attended prestigious events like the International Youth Day celebration in Kampala and the Pan African GYW Festival in Accra, Ghana. These experiences exposed her to the power of media advocacy and helped her develop strong advocacy skills.
Unleashing Her Leadership Potential
“She Leads” helped Betty discover her latent leadership qualities. Through the project, she participated actively in the election of the Pan African position and is now the Pan African GYW representative for “She Leads” Uganda. Betty also leads youth groups, including the Rotaract Club of Bugiri, where she serves as President.
Armed with newfound confidence and the skills acquired from “She Leads,” Betty now mentors, guides, and counsels her fellow GYWs and youths in her community. She stands as a testament to the transformative impact the project has had on her life.
Embracing the Opportunity
Betty’s journey with “She Leads” has been a revelation. What once seemed like a curse has turned into an opportunity for her and countless other girls in her community. Thanks to the support and empowerment provided by the project, girls like Betty now see themselves as agents of change, capable of challenging societal norms and taking charge of their destinies.
Through her journey, Betty reminds us that when girls are given the right support and opportunities, they can thrive and lead with remarkable strength and resilience.
A Future of Hope
As “She Leads” continues its mission to empower girls and transform their lives, stories like Betty’s serve as beacons of hope. The project’s dedication to amplifying girls’ voices and dismantling harmful gender norms is laying the foundation for a more equitable and inclusive society.
In the spirit of progress and transformation, Betty proclaims, “Long live SHE LEADS Uganda, Long Live MUCOBADI for transforming my life and making my dream come true, despite being a girl.” Her success story is a testament to the immense potential and power that girls hold when given the opportunity to lead and thrive.
Great thanks for Betty but such programs which bring out women/girls like Betty tend to be not welcomed by community leaders who are still with that mind set that “women/girls must be seen not heard”. How do you do baseline surveys with such community leaders inclusive?