African stakeholders call for increased leadership training for girls

Stakeholders across Africa are advocating for increased investment in leadership training for girls to address the low representation of women in leadership roles. During the inaugural Africa Girls Assembly in Abuja, Nigeria, participants from Nigeria, Zambia, and The Gambia discussed the necessity of providing girls with mentorship, confidence, and supportive networks from an early age.

In South Africa, the Department of Basic Education also marked the International Day of the Girl Child by emphasizing the need to build confidence in female learners. Deputy Minister Dr. Reginah Mhaule highlighted that addressing barriers such as gender-based violence, teenage pregnancy, poverty, and unequal educational opportunities is essential for fostering leadership. The South African commemoration specifically emphasized the inclusion of girls with special education needs to ensure their voices are heard in leadership development efforts.