The SCWAF, in collaboration with the MCDC Foundation Kigali, organized a Secondary School Leadership program for adolescent girls in a public school. The program aimed to educate them on topics such as gender-based violence (GBV) and self-protection, menstrual hygiene and destigmatization, as well as leadership and career advancement. This outreach initiative is part of the Starcrest Project’s EmpowerHer Campaign (Gen Alpha). The Starcrest Foundation’s EmpowerHer project is dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by African women across different generations, starting from a young age. The EmpowerHer Africa project operates in three phases: GEN ALPHA, GEN Z, and GEN X & GEN Y.
The EmpowerHer Africa Project (GEN Alpha), hosted by the school, had over 100 adolescent girls in attendance, ranging in age from 14 to 18 years old. The attendees included indigenous Rwandans, school staff, and supporters of the Starcrest Foundation. Overall, the event was a resounding success.
The program began with the students’ recitation of the school anthem, followed by a warm welcome from the teachers in charge, who expressed their appreciation to the SCWAF for organizing a project aimed at equipping young African women with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in today’s world. The Executive Director of SCWAF delivered an opening speech, during which she commended the efforts of the MCDC Foundation in ensuring the success of the project. She also expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the SCWAF support team for their dedication and tireless commitment to the foundation. She encouraged the students to pay close attention to the resourceful speakers and to ask questions for clarity and comprehension. Following her remarks, she introduced the first speaker, Barr. Pamela of the Lassie Empowerment Foundation, who educated the students on leadership, capacity building, and career paths.
Next, Princess Mrs. Rosemary, a retired Nigerian veteran, educated the students on GBV, explaining the various forms it can take, how to defend oneself in such situations, and how to prevent such attacks. She emphasized that GBV is not exclusive to the female gender and concluded her session with a demonstration of defense mechanisms.
Finally, Mrs. Lilian Ike of the Visionary African Women Summit spoke to the students about the importance of menstrual hygiene, including live demonstrations on how to properly use a sanitary pad (placement, removal, and disposal). Barr. Esther Omenka of the Starcrest Foundation further encouraged the students to develop self-confidence, emphasizing that menstruation is a source of pride for women and should never be a cause for shame. She led the students in a series of positive affirmations to help build their self-worth and esteem.
Other delegates also took turns encouraging the girls to focus on their education. The students then sang songs for their guests and expressed their gratitude to the management of SCWAF and MCDC. They shared some of the lessons they had learned and pledged to put them into practice.
The students were given gift packs containing refreshments, handbooks, GBV pamphlets, and sanitary pads to support their hygiene needs. The school sensitization event concluded with a group photo session of the entire team and students.
