The Executive Director of Women’s Foundation for Humanity (WFH), Dorothy Drabuga Ambrose, has called on adolescent girls in Juba County’s Gondokoro Island to embrace leadership, protect their rights, and build confidence as they participate in a two-day training on life skills and protection.
Speaking during the opening session of the two-day training on Monday, Drabuga said it aims to empower young girls with knowledge and practical skills to safeguard themselves, their families, and their communities.
“This training is designed to equip adolescent girls with the knowledge and skills they need to protect themselves from sexual and gender-based violence, understand their rights, build self-awareness, improve communication, and become confident leaders,” she said.
The initiative, funded by the German Government and the European Union, is implemented by GIZ in partnership with the Women’s Foundation for Humanity (WFH).
Drabuga noted that adolescent girls continue to face numerous challenges and stressed that the training would help participants recognize these challenges and make informed decisions about their future.
“Early marriage remains a major concern in many communities. Many girls are forced to leave school and marry at a young age, denying them the opportunity to achieve their dreams,” she stated. “Through this training, we want girls to understand that they have rights and that they can make choices that protect their future.”
“Leadership belongs to everyone—young girls, young women, elderly women, and men alike. Leadership begins with simple responsibilities such as being a class monitor or a head girl at school. Every girl has the potential to become a leader in her community and beyond,” she added.
Drabuga further encouraged girls to speak up against harmful practices, including forced marriage, and reminded them that they have the right to express their views within their families.
“If you see that decisions being made are not in your best interest, including being forced into marriage, you have the right to speak out and seek support. Your voice matters,” she told the participants.
The WFH Executive Director urged all participants to actively engage throughout the two-day training, noting that the knowledge and skills they gain would positively shape their lives and enable them to become agents of change in their communities.
The training forms part of ongoing efforts by WFH and its partners to promote the protection, empowerment, and meaningful participation of adolescent girls, ensuring they are equipped with the confidence and skills needed to reach their full potential.
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