Give to Gain: Gladys’ Story Shows the Power of Investing in Girls

Before the sun rises in Oluffe Subcounty, 18-year-old Gladys begins her day with the responsibilities of motherhood. She prepares breakfast, checks on her three-year-old child, and helps around the home. Then she does something she once thought she would never do again she picks up her schoolbooks and prepares for class.

Just a few years ago, Gladys believed her dream of education had ended.

Today, she is back in school.

Her journey reflects the spirit of International Women’s Day 2026, whose theme “Give to Gain” reminds the world that when communities invest in girls’ education, skills, and leadership, the returns benefit families, communities, and entire nations.

A Dream Interrupted

Gladys’ education was disrupted in 2022 when she became pregnant while in Primary Six. Like many girls who experience early pregnancy, she dropped out of school and suddenly had to navigate motherhood at a very young age.

Her child is now three years old, and Gladys lives with her mother, who helps support her and the child.

Her story mirrors the reality faced by thousands of girls across Uganda.

According to national data, about 23.5% of girls aged 15–19 in Uganda have already begun childbearing, meaning they are pregnant or have given birth.

Teenage pregnancy is also one of the leading causes of girls dropping out of school, accounting for around 22% of school dropouts among girls aged 14–18.

In the West Nile region, where Gladys lives, the challenge has been particularly significant. Reports indicate that teenage pregnancy rates in the region have been among the highest in the country, with some districts recording rates above 30%.

For girls who drop out of school due to pregnancy, the risk often continues. Studies show that between 26% and 56% of adolescent pregnancies in Uganda are repeat pregnancies, particularly when girls lack support systems, education, and opportunities to rebuild their futures.

Breaking this cycle requires intentional support investing in girls so they can regain confidence, make informed decisions, and pursue their goals.

Finding a Safe Space and New Confidence

After dropping out of school, Gladys joined the Ayia Ode Amani Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) Group in Oluffe Subcounty, a safe space for child mothers and adolescent girls at risk.

The group is part of the Empowered Voices Project, supported by the Girls First Fund and implemented by Amani Initiative. The project works with both in-school and out-of-school girls to prevent child marriage and address barriers that keep girls from continuing their education. Through safe spaces, mentorship, and life-skills training, the project empowers girls with knowledge and confidence while strengthening community systems to prevent harmful practices and respond to cases of abuse.

Within this group, Gladys participated in several life-skills sessions that helped her rebuild confidence and begin to see new possibilities for her life.

Through personal understanding and self-exploration, she was able to reflect on her experiences and regain self-confidence after the emotional challenges of becoming a young mother. Sessions on rights and responsibilities helped her understand that she still had the right to education, dignity, and a future beyond the circumstances that forced her out of school.

Training on sexual and reproductive health and sexual gender-based violence (SGBV) equipped her with knowledge about healthy relationships, personal protection, and informed decision-making. These lessons were especially important in helping girls like Gladys understand how to avoid repeat pregnancies and harmful situations.

As a young mother, Gladys also benefited from sessions on positive parenting and household management, which helped her build practical skills to care for her child while continuing to work toward her own goals.

The VSLA group also introduced her to financial literacy and livelihood skills. Through sessions on saving, personal financial management, business ideas, marketing, and record keeping, Gladys learned how to manage money and think about future economic opportunities that could help support her child.

These experiences helped Gladys rebuild confidence and begin imagining a future that once felt impossible.

The Power of Guidance

The girls in the VSLA group are supported by community mentors who help guide them through the challenges they face. In Oluffe Subcounty, this role is played by Agnes Tiko, a community change agent who works closely with the girls.

Agnes supports the girls with mentorship, guidance, and encouragement as they navigate stigma, financial hardship, and the pressures that can lead to repeat pregnancies or early marriage.

“Many of these girls feel like their dreams ended when they became mothers,” Agnes explains. “But when they receive guidance and support, they begin to believe in themselves again and start planning for a better future.”

Inspired to Try Again

During her time in the group, Gladys began to notice something that sparked a new determination.

She saw girls her age speaking confidently in English and continuing with their education.

It reminded her of the dreams she once had.

“When I hear girls my age speaking good English and writing well, I feel inspired,” Gladys says. “I want to study again so that one day I can get a job and take good care of my child.”

Giving to Gain

Gladys’ story powerfully reflects the message of International Women’s Day 2026: “Give to Gain.”

When communities invest in girls—by giving them safe spaces, knowledge, mentorship, and opportunities to continue their education—the benefits extend far beyond one individual.

Girls gain confidence.
Families become stronger.
Communities grow more resilient.

Today, Gladys walks to school with determination and hope, carrying not just books but the possibility of a better future.

Her story reminds us that when we give girls the support they deserve, we all gain.