Girls Rising: A Call for Girl's Empowerment to shape their future by Lomile

Statement by: Lomile , 15 years old.

Today, I stand before you, not just as a young girl from Phamong, but as a representative of countless girls across Lesotho and around the world, whose voices are often unheard, whose challenges are often overlooked, and whose potential is often underestimated. The International Day of the Girl Child is not just a day on the calendar, it is a powerful reminder of our strength, resilience, and the hope we carry for a brighter future.

We’ve been celebrating this day since October 11, 2012, when a brave girl named Malala Yousafzai stood up for her right to go to school. She faced incredible challenges but never backed down, and because of her, girls’ education became a global movement. Today, we’re here not just to remember her but to shout out the dreams and hopes of every girl, including my own.

I want to talk about the role of families, communities, and our government in supporting us girls. Families are our backbone. They give us love, direction, and support. They teach us that we can achieve anything we set our minds to. Our communities help shape our values and create spaces where we feel safe. They encourage us to pursue education and help advocate for girls’ rights.

And let’s not forget the government! They have a big job in making sure we’re protected and that our rights are promoted. We need strong laws and policies that support girls like us—laws that ensure we can go to school, access healthcare, and live without fear.

But we have some serious challenges that many girls, especially in places like Phamong, face every day. Some girls get married too young because their families are struggling, and it’s seen as a way to help. Others can’t attend school because they have to take care of younger siblings. That’s just not fair! We have dreams and goals, too, and we deserve a chance to chase them.

So, here’s my vision for the future: I believe every girl should be empowered to stand up for herself. We should learn self-defense so that we can protect ourselves and feel confident. We also need proper education about our bodies and access to menstrual products so we can attend school without shame.

I’m calling on the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Social Development to listen to our voices. Girls should be a priority in every decision made for our future! As we celebrate 200 years of being a nation, let’s commit to making sure that girls’ rights are respected and protected.

Together, let’s create a future where every girl can dream big, pursue her education without barriers, and become the leaders of tomorrow.

We can make this happen, and it starts with us!

Thank you!