
What a welcome!
- Girls are more likely to become pregnant than they are to finish primary school. Nearly 1 in 3 Ugandan girls are mothers by the age of 18.
- Approximately 35% of girls drop out of school because of early marriage and 23% do so because of pregnancy.
- 1 out of 3 menstruating girls miss at least one day of school per month due to menstruation.
“I want other girls to learn from my story that they can make it to higher heights.”
~ Amanicia Spencer, age 14
“Girls and boys should not give up. (I also want) boys respecting girls. It’s a good thing. Even girls are human beings and should not be taken as animals.”
~ Viola Namboowa, age 12
“Girls should know that when people say that you are not good enough, it doesn’t mean that you are actually not good enough.”
~Awori Victoria, age 10
“I want to share my story because I am proud of the decision that I made, because if I had not, then I would not have changed into what I am today. I want girls to learn how to make personal decisions that will change their lives for the better.”
~ Nakato Mary Bridget, age 12
I know that this is a big project with tremendous possibility for impact. How can our readers support you in turning your book idea into a reality? MW: We invite readers to donate to our fundraiser to help us get our book published, printed and out into the world! Here’s the link to donate: We Have Something To Say: True Stories Written By Adolescent Girls Growing Up In The Slums Of Kampala” Every dollar is a vote of confidence, so thank you in advance for your donation. No amount is too small or too big! If 400 people contribute $40 to our campaign, we will turn our book idea into a reality!! We are creating a new generation of leaders who will solve world problems like poverty, inequality, war, AIDS and hunger, simply by supporting adolescent girls. Will you join us?Megan Walrod, Founder of Live Your Yes, is an author, speaker and heart-based business coach. Over the past decade she has shown hundreds of entrepreneurs how to build profitable and purposeful businesses. She is passionate about empowering women (and girls) to find their voice, claim their value and share their gifts with the world.
Currently, Megan is “Living Her Yes” in Uganda. Following a calling and a deep desire to pay her privilege forward, she is volunteering with the non-profit Girl Up Initiative Uganda. To find out more details about their book project and how you can get involved, click here: https://igg.me/at/BSKpc2yIaq0
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Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful story and for the wonderful work that is being done on behalf of these girls. This is something I think we can all gather around and support.
Yes, Barb! I’m glad you feel moved by this.
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful experience with use. This resounds so much with me because it’s our reality in Africa. Seeing there are people who are led to take steps is encouraging. Thank you
It is our pleasure, Leila! (I’m including Megan in with this.) I’m glad that it resounds with you.
What a powerful post Laurie! Thanks so much for sharing the interview with Megan Walrod and the amazing work the “Girl Up” Project in Uganda is doing to empower women and girls. I appreciate how you documented the creative process that led Megan to connect with and follow her heart. I really connected with Megan’s words “When girls have the opportunity to share their stories, they learn they are valuable, they discover they really do have something to say and they get to play an essential role in economic development and eradicating poverty.” I’ve lived and worked in a number of developing countries and I know that women are the glue that holds families and communities together and the key to eradicating poverty. Best of luck with this project and thanks for sharing how we can support it.
Thank you Pamela! Truly, it was Megan who has been documenting her process through all of this in an amazing way. I merely gave her the space to record it here. Women and girls are indeed the key to moving beyond poverty and into a peaceful world.
This was such an inspiration. I hope you continue to do your important work there. Nice to hear about how your crisis gave you your vision.
Monica Dubay
Thank you Monica!
Inspiring and touching! I am always amazed at those who will give up their comfort to be of service to others! Reading this it feels like it is an incredible experience for everyone. For Megan and for the girls and women who are being impacted by her. Thank you for sharing this story.
It’s been a pleasure to share this Beverley! Thanks for reading it.
It is essential for more women to become a voice. It’s the only way this world moves forward. Thank you for sharing this wonderful and encouraging blog. Even thought I don’t know Megan I am very proud of her for making a perfect change in her life to better the lives of others. It moves my heart. I send many blessings to these girls and the project.
Thank you so much Heather!