International Day of the Girl Child event transforms teen’s dream into reality
When Mukhethwa Nkhulumeni stood up to share her dream at Vodacom World, she inspired a room full of leaders and got a scholarship on the spot.
In front of a crowd of leaders, advocates, and changemakers, a young girl discovered the power of her voice and walked away with a scholarship that would help her turn her dreams of helping others into reality.
What began as a discussion on empowering girls transformed into a pivotal moment for 16-year-old Mukhethwa Nkhulumeni, whose aspiration of becoming an oncologist touched hearts at the International Day of the Girl Child event, held on October 10 at Vodacom World in Midrand.
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The event, a collaboration between the United Nations in South Africa, Vodacom, and the UN Global Compact Network South Africa, brought together influential figures from government, business, and civil society to advocate for girls’ rights and empowerment in honour of the International Day of the Girl Child.
During the event, themed, Her Future, Her Power: An Intergenerational Dialogue for Change, Mukhethwa demonstrated remarkable courage as she stood in front of the audience to share her aspirations for life after high school and the challenges of losing self-belief. “I want a career where my service is highly needed…” she expressed. “I want to be an oncologist.”
Moved by Mukhethwa’s confidence and determination, Dr Sunshine Myende, the chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), promptly offered her a place in the Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu Scholarship Fund.
The fund is one of NYDA’s flagship programmes, providing full scholarships for young people under 35 to study in critical and scarce skills fields. “Her courage is what captured me,” remarked Myende.
The event was a tremendous success, featuring speakers such as Matimba Mbungela, Vodacom Group’s chief officer for human resources; a video message from UN resident coordinator Nelson Muffuh; and a keynote address by Ambassador Nozipho January-Bardill, a respected advocate for gender equality and ethical leadership in Africa.
@caxtonjoburgnorth Pan-African advocate for gender equality and ethical leadership ambassador Nozipho January-Bardill gives a keynote address at the International Day of the Girl Child commemoration at Vodacom World on October 10. Video: Comfort Makhanya. #LocalNews #trendingviralvideo #caxtonlocalmedia #SANEWS #Gauteng ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North
“I urge you all to think very carefully and critically about these new ideologies that are attempting to reverse decades of intense struggles for gender justice, fundamental human rights, equality, and non-discrimination,” said January-Bardill.
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A highlight of the day was a panel discussion featuring trailblazing women from various industries, including Myende, Vodacom SA financial director Refilwe Nkabinde, Fifa referee and SheRef Foundation founder Akhona ‘She Ref’ Makalima, and SABC international news editor Sophie Mokoena.
The conversation focused on practical steps to accelerate gender equality, shift mindsets, and empower girls to lead change.
Notable figures in attendance included UN Goodwill Ambassador Nomzamo Mbatha, founder of Qrate and Minister of Menstruation Candice Chirwa, and Miss South Africa finalist and speech therapist Qhawekazi Mazaleni, among others.
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