Joan Kembabazi’s Post

My brief advice to girls most times is ‘Avoid Early Marriage. Your future matters. Your dreams are valid. You’re a destined to be a powerful voice and change maker in the World’. Share the advice that you give to girls in your community or around you?

Child marriage is a global issue that needs urgent global action. Are you wondering how you can be part of the movement to #endchildmarriage? Share this message to spread awareness.

I have a DREAM, a dream to #endchildmarriage , to provide education opportunities to girls and empower them with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive and become powerful agents of change in the World.

Girls do not want sympathy, Period! In a World where girls and women’s rights are still being violated and discriminated, there's a crucial distinction that often gets overlooked,the difference between sympathy and systemic support. Sympathizing with what’s happening to girls and women can never be a substitute for the robust social protection systems that they desperately need. Addressing girls and women’s needs requires more than just heartfelt emotions, it demands concrete actions and structural changes. And it is World leaders,Policy makers and CSOs to give that to them. PS: These were my closing remarks during a UNICEF Social Policy event “We Deserve Better” that i moderated at The 68th Commission on the Status of Women(#CSW68) in New York in March this year. A big thanks to Lauren Whitehead and Clara Ceravolo for the great opportunity.

Investing in girls = investing in a more prosperous,sustainable and inclusive future for everyone. Let's commit to the vision of building a world where every girl is empowered, educated and has the opportunity to achieve her dreams and shape a better tomorrow. #empoweringgirls #empoweringcommunities #educategirls

I am proud to be living this dream but 13 year old me would be more proud! How does living a dream that you had since childhood feel? Well, there’s a unique sense of pride that comes from living out a childhood dream,especially when that dream involves making a difference in others' lives. Every child has a dream and mine was to #endchildmarriage, advocate and support girls’ education and empower girls to find their voices and agency to be able to make informed decisions for their bodies and futures. Reflecting on my journey and recognizing the impact that my childhood dream and the team I lead at Gufasha Girls Foundation has made is nothing short of gratifying. Seeing lives and communities be transformed has and continues to motivate me to strive for even more meaningful impact. Most times as we grow we face changes in transitioning from one job or passion to another, however my profession never stopped my dream from blossoming and flourishing. If you’re seeing this post, it’s a reminder that your childhood dream is still valid and it matters! PS: I am standing in a compound of one of Gufasha Girls Foundation’s partner schools, a school where my siblings also go to.