By Mark Mutumba | Executive Director
Report on International Girl Child Day Event – Omuto Foundation
Event Overview:
On October 11th, Omuto Foundation hosted a vibrant and impactful International Girl Child Day event at Buwama Playground, marking the launch of the new phase of the RED campaign. The event celebrated the ongoing efforts in the "Minds" phase, focusing on advocacy and education, and introduced new initiatives under the "Toilets" and "Pads" phases, aimed at promoting menstrual health and hygiene for young girls. The event was graced by the Woman MP of Mpigi District, who emphasized the importance of keeping the girl child in school and the vital role of peer education in achieving this goal.
Activities and Participation:
The event attracted a total of 230 attendees, mainly students from schools across Kammengo and Buwama. Participants enjoyed a mix of engaging activities and educational sessions, creating a memorable experience for all involved. The day featured:
School Presentations: Students from various schools showcased their creativity and passion through drama performances, songs, and poems, all centered on the theme of empowering the girl child and promoting education.
Games and Fun Activities: A range of games kept the participants engaged and fostered a sense of unity and camaraderie among the young attendees.
Health Services: In partnership with Joyi Uganda and Buwama Health Centre 3, we provided essential health services, including cervical cancer immunization and HIV testing and counseling. These efforts aimed to raise awareness about critical health issues and ensure the well-being of the community's young girls.
Skill-Building Sessions: Omuto Foundation organized a hands-on workshop where over 200 sanitary pads were distributed to girls, and they were taught how to make reusable pads—an initiative that aligns with our goal of promoting sustainable menstrual hygiene practices.
Recognition and Awards:
As part of our ongoing commitment to fostering leadership among youth, Omuto Foundation awarded certificates to the top-performing RED BRIGADE peer educators from five schools. These young leaders have been instrumental in promoting menstrual health education and breaking taboos surrounding menstruation within their schools and communities.
Partners and Support:
The success of the International Girl Child Day event would not have been possible without the valuable contributions of our partners:
Totya Platform: Provided sessions on preventing and addressing sexual abuse, ensuring that young girls are equipped with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves.
Joyi Uganda: Facilitated HIV testing and counseling, offering a safe space for students to learn about their health status and receive the necessary support.
Buwama Health Centre 3: Conducted cervical cancer immunization for girls, highlighting the importance of preventative health measures.
Media Coverage:
The event received national attention, with Spark TV airing key highlights, amplifying our message and reaching a wider audience. The Woman MP's speech on the importance of keeping girls in school and the critical role of peer education was particularly emphasized, furthering our advocacy efforts.
Impact and Reflections:
This year's International Girl Child Day event was not only a celebration but a powerful platform for advocacy and action. It showcased the resilience, creativity, and potential of young girls in Mpigi District while addressing some of the most pressing challenges they face. The active involvement of schools, community leaders, health partners, and students themselves underscored the power of collaboration in creating meaningful change.
The event served as a reminder that empowering young girls and ensuring their access to education and health services is a shared responsibility. Omuto Foundation remains committed to this mission, and we are grateful for the continued support of our partners and the community in driving this vision forward.
Looking Ahead:
The successful launch of the new phases of the RED campaign during this event marks a significant milestone for Omuto Foundation. We look forward to building on this momentum by further engaging schools and community stakeholders in our mission to create a healthier, more equitable future for every girl child in Mpigi District and beyond.
Thank you to everyone who made this day a success, and we invite you to continue supporting our efforts as we strive to create lasting change for young girls through the RED campaign and beyond.
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