In a bid to achieve gender equality, end unplanned teenage pregnancy, and promote girls’ education by creating more opportunities for womenfolk, Girls Leading Africa (GLA) has continued to accelerate the development of communities. As an organization, Girls Leading Africa provides teenage girls and young mothers access to quality education and equips them with the vocational and interpersonal skills needed to take responsibility for their lives and community. Giftie Umo, Founder and Executive Director of Girls Leading Africa, has been at the forefront of this movement.
Driven by the belief that an educated and empowered woman becomes integral to decision-making processes in community-changing dynamics, GLA envisions a world where girls in rural communities have access to opportunities, resources, and support like their urban counterparts. GLA offers comprehensive support systems, including counseling, parenting classes, and vocational training, to empower teenage mothers to rebuild their lives, break free from societal constraints, and foster a renewed sense of hope and self-worth.
Giftie Umo affirms GLA’s mission: “Girls Leading Africa’s commitment to the education, vocational skills training, and support of girls and teenage mothers is a testament to our dedication to fostering positive change in our communities. By addressing these crucial aspects, we are creating a brighter and more equitable future for girls in rural communities, empowering them to lead, inspire, and thrive.”
Over the past years, GLA recruited over 100 girls from various rural communities in the Odukpani local government Area of Cross River State to participate in their vocational skills program. The organization has seen remarkable improvement in skills such as Catering and Culinary Arts, Tailoring, and Computer Literacy, creating employment opportunities for girls and young mothers in their chosen fields. Umo believes that vocational skill training is a transformative tool that improves socio-economic status and can end cycles of unplanned teenage pregnancy, human trafficking, and child marriage.
Further demonstrating their commitment, GLA organized events for over 150 girls on Menstrual Hygiene Day in Odukpani Local Government Area, Cross River State. Working alongside schools in the community, GLA addressed critical menstrual health issues, challenged societal norms, and advanced gender equality through educational workshops, interactive discussions, and the distribution of hygiene kits.
GLA holds an annual Leadership Summer Program for girls in rural communities to ensure that young women and girls are equipped with the right leadership capacities from an early stage. This transformative initiative empowers young girls with essential life skills and knowledge. In 2023, 60 girls from different communities in Odukpani Local Government Area participated in the summer camp designed to foster personal development and community engagement and prepare each girl for future leaders.
