WATCH: Sisterhood Hike unites young girls in honour of International Day of the Girl Child
Dressed in pink, over 50 girls took part in a 5km hike at Rietvlei Zoo Farm to promote mental health, unity, and girls’ empowerment through the AIDS Health Foundation’s inspiring initiative.
A sea of pink filled the Rietvlei Farm Zoo when the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) South Africa and partners hosted an inspirational Sisterhood Hike in honour of International Day of the Girl Child on October 18.
Dressed in matching pink T-shirts and hats, 52 young girls and youth advocates gathered for a 5km hike along the Rietvlei trails, promoting mental well-being, unity and health awareness.
@southern.courierA sea of pink filled the Rietvlei Farm Zoo when the AIDS Health Foundation (AHF) South Africa and partners hosted an inspirational Sisterhood Hike in honour of International Day of the Girl Child on October 18. Dressed in matching pink T-shirts and hats, 52 young girls and youth advocates gathered for a 5km hike along the Rietvlei trails, promoting mental well-being, unity and health awareness.♬ original sound – Southern Courier
After the hike, participants enjoyed bracelet-making sessions and fireside chats focused on girls’ rights and reproductive health.
Globally, adolescent girls and young women face persistent barriers to education, sexual and reproductive health
services and safety, making them particularly vulnerable to HIV infection and GBV.
Through this event, the AHF South Africa aims to create safe, supportive spaces for learning, sharing and celebrating the strength and potential of girls everywhere.
Sindisiwe Tom, the co-ordinator for the AHF South Africa, said the event was a fun and meaningful experience.
“We raise awareness about health issues. This inspiring Sisterhood Hike was held in honour of International Day of the Girl Child, and created bonding opportunities where girls could open up and talk about teenage challenges, led by a social counsellor.
“We thank our partners, the Department of Health, Love Life, Diepsloot Youth in Action and Community Power Voice.
“Lastly, we wore pink to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October,” she said.
Here’s what some girls shared:
• Surprise Mokwatsi: “This walk helped me a lot, especially mentally. We were able to clear our minds, think properly and take care of ourselves as girls.”
• Palesa Mosia: “This walk reminded us to stay clean, drink water and stay hydrated.”
• Mandisa Mahlaba: “As part of Girls’ Act, we celebrated the Day of the Girl Child with this 5km walk. It reminded us that, as girls, we need to care for our mental health, stay healthy and look after ourselves.”
