MUCOBADI’s She-Leads Mentorship Program aims to empower girls and young women by providing them with the skills, confidence, and support they need to advocate for their rights. The program identifies and trains champions—individuals who exhibit leadership potential and a deep commitment to gender equality. These champions then work within their communities to raise awareness, influence policy, and support vulnerable girls. Through their efforts, She-Leads champions are driving change from the grassroots level, ensuring that the voices of girls are heard and their rights are protected.

Key Advocates: Abudu and Doreen

Abudu: A Male Advocate for Gender Equality

Abudu’s journey with She-Leads began with a desire to make a difference in his community. Growing up, he witnessed the detrimental effects of child marriage and lack of education for girls. Trained by the She-Leads program, Abudu became a fervent advocate for girls’ rights, focusing on enacting local bylaws to protect children. His work has been instrumental in reducing child marriage rates in his community. By engaging with local leaders and parents, Abudu promotes the importance of education for girls and the long-term benefits it brings to families and communities.

Doreen: Leading the Charge for Young Women

Doreen’s story is one of resilience and determination. Overcoming significant personal challenges, she emerged as a strong voice for girls and young women in her area. Through She-Leads, Doreen received training in leadership, public speaking, and advocacy. She now leads workshops on girls’ rights, engages with policymakers, and organizes community meetings to address issues such as teenage pregnancy and access to education. Doreen’s leadership has inspired many young women to stand up for their rights and pursue their dreams.

Community Impact: Tangible Changes and Success Stories

The efforts of She-Leads champions have led to significant positive changes within their communities. One notable success is the reduction in child marriage rates. Through persistent advocacy and community engagement, champions like Abudu have helped shift cultural norms and practices that traditionally supported early marriage. By promoting the value of education and the rights of girls, these advocates have seen more girls staying in school and fewer being forced into early marriages.

In addition to combating child marriage, the program’s champions have improved access to education for girls. They work to remove barriers such as school fees and provide resources like school supplies and uniforms. These efforts have resulted in higher school enrollment and retention rates among girls, giving them a better chance at a brighter future.

Challenges and Solutions: Overcoming Barriers

Advocating for girls’ rights in Eastern Uganda is not without its challenges. Champions often face resistance from traditional beliefs and practices that are deeply ingrained in the community. Additionally, limited resources and support can hinder their efforts. However, the She-Leads program equips its champions with the tools and training necessary to overcome these obstacles.

By fostering strong relationships with community leaders, champions gain their support and cooperation. Educational workshops and awareness campaigns help to slowly change mindsets and demonstrate the benefits of gender equality. Moreover, the program’s network of advocates provides a support system, allowing champions to share strategies and successes, further strengthening their impact.