SHAKAWE- UNFPA, in collaboration with SKY Girls BW, visited Gowa Junior Secondary School in Shakawe to empower young girls through education and inspiration in celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child. A special edition magazine was distributed, focusing on Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), including key topics such as consent, bodily autonomy and debunking myths surrounding menstrual health.

Motivational talk inspires confidence

In addition to the magazine, the event featured a motivational talk designed to boost the girls' confidence, aligning with this year’s theme for the International Day of the Girl Child: “Girls’ Vision for the Future.” Speaking at the engagement, SKY Girls BW Program Manager, Mmapula Sedie, emphasized the shared responsibility of supporting young girls: “We are all responsible for nurturing the dreams and aspirations of young girls. Whether you are a teacher, a parent, a community member, or a UNFPA representative—each one of us has a role to play.”

Tlangelani Shilubane-Petersen, Head of Office at UNFPA Botswana, echoed this sentiment, adding, “Every girl has dreams and aspirations that deserve our protection and support. Investing in girls' rights today paves the way for a more equitable future.”

SKY Girls BW's role in empowerment

SKY Girls BW is a supportive community for teenage girls across Botswana, empowering them to navigate the challenges they face. Through a quarterly magazine distributed nationwide and an active social media presence—boasting a cumulative following of over 200,000—SKY Girls BW provides vital resources and encouragement. In addition to their magazine and online platforms, they conduct school talks nationwide, teaching refusal skills to help girls confidently say, "Ke Shapo ka Smoking."

Reaching remote areas

This partnership marks the first of many initiatives to reach girls in remote areas of Botswana with limited access to digital platforms, because at UNFPA reaching those furthest left behind is one of our priorities. Together, we are committed to creating and sharing crucial resources to help more girls lead informed, empowered lives.

Pull Quote: “We are all responsible for nurturing the dreams and aspirations of young girls,” said SKY Girls BW Program Manager, Mmapula Sedie.