Depending on which source you use, there are two themes for International Women’s Day, March 8, 2024. We asked African Girls Can alumna and recent Makerere University graduate, Adong Flavia, to remark on both.
United Nations – Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress
To “invest in women” is to invest in their social capital and create a platform where women are able
to nurture their mental growth to become emotionally and financially independent.
This includes unlearning unhealthy customs and beliefs and adopting healthy ones.
internationalwomensday.com – #InspireInclusion
“Inspire inclusion” simply implies creating an environment where people can
believe in the capability and potential of women to compete favorably in every sector
(education, politics, media etc.) without any form of marginalization.
Adong Flavia
Flavia goes on to say:
Why invest in women? A woman is very vital for global development. First, she is an educator and most of the children in Uganda acquire their basic knowledge of life that is so fundamental to one’s growth from their mother. Secondly, most small-scale businesses vital for rural development are operated by women. Finally, women are sustainers – pillars of humanity and empathy. Imagine a world with effective education, booming businesses, and humanitarianism!
The government of Uganda, the NGOs, and cultural and religious institutions all have a role to play in creating equal opportunities, empowering women, and eliminating the norms that step down on women. Women too must become their own advocates, not only in words, but also with tangible results that will disprove all the biases against them.
The world needs leaders and changemakers. I have always believed that it is only a woman who has invested in herself, and realized her potential and the power she carries as a woman, who will be able to compete favorably in the unjust society and become the pillar of inclusion we are seeking.
Women’s Day is also the perfect time to catch up with Flavia to hear about her time at university and how she is putting her knowledge and experience to use in her community, back home in Lira. Flavia graduated from Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda in January, 2024. She is a shining example for all the girls in African Girls Can and people of all ages that she encounters.
I grew up with a great ambition of becoming a lawyer. At university, I was admitted to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Education. I don’t regret it – the course enabled me to discover my own potential and has given me a platform to interact with and mentor many young people. I am glad to offer my service to the next generation to help empower them to strive in their careers in the current gender biased society.
Makerere University is one of the best in East Africa, in fact in all of Africa. There were 12,913 graduates at its 74th commencement. About 8% were in the School of Education. My major of English Language and Literature had 236 people.
The last four years studying at Makerere has been the most exciting experience of my life. The campus is in the huge, bustling capital city of Kampala, and it is a learning environment with students from diverse social economic status, beliefs, and moral upbringing. These differences can be quite eye opening and challenging. I come from a smaller community in the rural north part of the country. It takes confidence in oneself and beliefs, a burning ambition, and determination to break through these potential distractions and influences. But, the solidarity and passion that we hold as those who passed through the great gates of Makerere is a great vibe!
Along with my team members at university, I participated in activities outside of the classroom. This includes the Lango* Students’ Association, church mission groups, and outreaches to schools and hospitals.
African Girls Can brought back to life my dying dream and ambition of being a great woman. While AGC helped me reach the finish line at secondary school (A-Level), I was able to attend Makerere because I was awarded a scholarship from the Mastercard Foundation. It targets academically talented young people with high leadership potential whose access to higher education has been limited by economic and social barriers. In turn, they expect from their scholars: good performance in class and steady participation in program activities (such as career sessions), as well as active giveback (mentorship) to vulnerable communities. In all these ways, we demonstrate leadership.
I am currently teaching English Language and Literature at Light Vocational Secondary School in Lira District. I did my student teaching practice there and they offered me a full-time position after graduation. I rent a place near the school and help my family who is nearby as best I can.
I always encourage the girls (and the boys), using myself and my humble background as an example of how far they can go. I strive to influence them with my confidence. I remind them that success is an intentional product of a dream. Particularly to the girls, I say keep dreaming, invest in yourself, and make the best use of every opportunity that makes you a better woman at every level.
I would love to leave an impact that will change the life of someone. You can never tell how that one act of humanity will change their entire story and, through them, many other individuals’ stories are changed. This is the only way we can make the world a better place for women and everyone else.
I look forward to furthering my education (perhaps outside the country). I hope to advance my knowledge and skills in linguistics and study International Human Rights law. I have not given up that dream! I am also very passionate about entrepreneurship, and I think a few years from now, I will be running a business enterprise.
Here’s what I would say to 12-year-old Flavia: You were a dreamer. Each and every day, I walk toward the direction of your dream. Through challenges and limitations, I am determined to reach your dreamed of destination, and beyond.
*One of the 56 different tribes in Uganda.
Read our first blog about Flavia’s years in secondary school.
You will see how tremendously far she has come in the last five years!
