Day of the Girl Child: Elizabeth Kemigisha Shares Advice for Girls

By Elizabeth Kemigisha, WI-HER Associate, Knowledge Management

This is for the girl we serve. The one who comes to the youth dialogues, community meetings, and facility health days looking for answers. The girl whose eyes meet yours for a split second during that youth engagement activity. In that split second, you can tell she has a heavy burden. Sometimes it is tangible as she is on the brink of dropping out of school because her family thinks the boys should go instead. Other times it is mental as she is weighing her options on whether to accept and marry that man who could pass for her grandfather or give in and have sex with that man who promised to give her a phone or take her to the nearest city. Other times she is here to understand what her friends have told her about her body, sex, and choices.

For me, the reason my heart beats faster when our eyes meet has always been the fact that she is here. She will not ask questions because I will know more about her, and she does not want that. So, if she asks, she hides behind her friend and asks, ‘my friend has this problem…’

You and I may also know her as ‘the last mile.’

This advice is for her:

• Keep coming to such gatherings and soak in all the knowledge. If you hear that there will be a discussion or talk about health, education, agriculture, environment, and anything else you are curious about, be there and take the front seats. Position yourself for learning.

• Ask as many questions as possible; it does not matter that you and I know you are hiding behind your friend. Just ask. Ask those questions that your peers may dub as stupid questions. As a young girl, not learning some things may cost you. So ask.

• Collect good people. Take your time and collect good people. People you can talk to about your body changes, your fears, and your dreams. While I pray that these are your caregivers, I know that may not be the case. Even then, cast your net wide; these good people could be your teachers, the community health workers, religious leaders, and the village health teams, among others. Good people are sent to cover us. Open your heart to see them when they come.

• Learn from others’ mistakes. There is a lesson for you in every story you are told. Many times, you must look for it. May you find the task faster and be smart about learning from it.

• Be you! You have heard this many times. I will repeat this. You are the best you there is. And we see you! And we cannot wait to see the woman you will be. Your time is now! And we are here for it!

Learn more about the artist Kwizera Alex, aka Kwiz Era, on Instagram and here.