In celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11, the British High Commission, in partnership with Plan International, organized a “Girls Takeover” event aimed at empowering young girls and raising awareness about their challenges—especially those from refugee camps.
Two South Sudanese girls from Bidi Bidi refugee settlement were selected to step into leadership roles, with Peace Harriet Alley assuming the position of Deputy Head of Mission at the British High Commission.
During the event, Alley shared her personal story, highlighting the significant hurdles girls in refugee camps face, such as domestic abuse, poor parenting, and limited access to education and resources.
"We want to go back to school or learn something that can help us in the future, but the opportunities are few," Alley explained, emphasizing the urgent need for more support.
Her experiences reflect the struggles of millions of vulnerable girls worldwide.
The British Council has played a key role in addressing these issues, with its global initiatives educating over eight million girls and tackling pressing concerns like child marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM), and unwanted pregnancies.
“Our focus has always been on empowering women and girls. It is through education and resources that we can create lasting change,” said Tiffany Kirlew, Deputy Head of Mission at the British High Commission.
Phoebe Kasuga, Plan International’s Country Director, echoed this sentiment, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to improving the lives of girls in Uganda and beyond.
“We have worked hard to help girls in vulnerable situations, and this event is just one of the ways we are giving them the tools to succeed. We still have more to do, but we are determined to make a difference,” Kasuga stated.
The UK government’s support extends beyond education, with investments in sectors such as agriculture, road construction, and renewable energy, all crucial to Uganda’s development and the betterment of girls’ lives across the country.
As the world observes the International Day of the Girl Child, the Girls Takeover event serves as a poignant reminder of the need to invest in girls’ futures, ensuring that even those in the most challenging environments have the opportunity to thrive.