Deborah's Voice Shines at UN Women's Event
“Women and girls around the world continue to face grave acts of violence, from female genital mutilation, child marriage, and human trafficking to domestic violence and homelessness... It is a devastating reality, but this must change and change begins with us today."
In October 2020, when students were off school due to the pandemic, I was invited to speak as part of an international webinar series on young women's mental health. The series was hosted by Ilitha Labantu, an organization that provides services for women and children affected by violence in South Africa. I was thrilled to share my thoughts on the topic and have the chance to learn from the other attendees.
For this reason, it was especially meaningful when I heard from Ilitha Labantu again in March. They invited me to share an opening statement at “Transformative Women Leadership Towards Promoting Women’s Participation and Eliminating Violence against Women," a side event of UN Women's CSW65 conference.
The theme captured my attention because I am intensely passionate about doing what it takes to make a woman’s potential shine brighter than anyone’s expectations. I was excited to share my thoughts and feelings with the world. I was slightly nervous, but I knew that it was a good type of nervous.
On the day of the event, our Executive Director JC sat with me while I spoke. This, together with all the support I received from different ASYV educators, gave me the encouragement I needed to succeed.
I was thrilled to speak on behalf of many girls whose voices are still silenced all over the world, to learn from the speakers, and to take part in finding lasting solutions for problems that women face everywhere. - Deborah Meillah Asiimwe Hirwa, 3rd year student
"It makes me sad, bitter, and disheartened whenever a girl passes by and men (though not all) start commenting on her body. The moment a girl’s breast grows on our chest is the moment society expects her to give birth and get married. However, a girl is more than her physical appearance. She has the ability, capacity, and intelligence to be a great scientist, a great president, and why not, a great UN Secretary-General."