As a RiseUp! Young Woman Lead, I had the privilege of being invited as a guest speaker at the Malala Fund Girls Vision, Summit of the Future side event. I was deeply honoured to have the opportunity to share my invaluable experience as a co-facilitator during the Malala Fund Consultation, which was organized by the YWCA of Bangladesh.
When I got the invitation to speak at the side event, I felt very lucky and also privileged to have a space on a global platform to share the story of adolescent girls from the communities of Bangladesh. It was an amazing experience for me, as this was something I had not done before in my lifetime (to share my experience, especially from the local community in this global space). I felt welcomed and I shared my testimony of my experience working with adolescent girls.
As I was preparing myself before the event, I could not stop thinking about each and every word and moment shared by the adolescent girls during the consultation. One story that stood out was of a group of girls who were out of school (most of them forced to drop out) for various reasons like-being forced to work in garment factories, fish companies, or as domestic caregivers to earn money for their families. These adolescent girls also shared about the sexual harassment they faced in these situations. On the other hand, I also had the opportunity to speak to adolescent girls who were still in school. During the consultations, they shared their thoughts on what needs to be improved in the Education system such as updating science and technology curriculum, providing better tools, labs, digital devices and digital machines.
Through this opportunity I (as a RiseUp! Young Women Lead) was able to enhance my existing knowledge. I used the #RiseUp! Guide to build on my skills. Additionally, I served as a Co-Facilitator for the Malala Fund Consultation, where I had the chance to review and utilize the clear and easy-to-follow Malala Fund Facilitator Guide.
Being part of this contributes to the World YWCA’s #Goal2035, which aims to work with, engage, and support young women and girls in transforming power structures. This also highlights the importance of investing in and supporting young women and girls of all ages.
In order to bring this vision to life, we need to continue supporting adolescent girls and young women so that they can actively participate and share solutions and strategies on issues that affect them. Young women and girls are advocating for their rights. They are change-makers and serve as role models in their families, communities, and society.
Reflecting on my experience, I can see how and where RiseUp! and Malala Fund are examples of how to engage and work with young women and girls. Where we work and who we involve matters. We need to continue working for girls and Young Women across all ages #GirlsPower to make the vision and goals come true.
