Africa Education Medal Finalist 2024

Nankunda Hope Mwijuka

Executive Director, Raising Teenagers-Uganda

Uganda

Nankunda Hope Mwijuka is Founder and Executive Director of Raising Teenagers-Uganda, a non-profit organisation that creates safe spaces for young people. It focuses on menstrual hygiene management for girls and provides guidance and counselling services in schools and communities. Her life’s mission revolves around empowering the girls by advocating for their right to education and good health.

Through her work, Nankunda Hope Mwijuka is tackling systemic barriers to education for girls, particularly in regions where cultural norms, economic constraints, and gender biases prevent girls from attending school. By addressing the issue of menstrual hygiene management, which often leads to girls missing school due to inadequate facilities and resources, she ensures that girls can attend school regularly without facing discomfort or stigma.

Nankunda Hope Mwijuka's work also focuses on improving the quality of education by providing guidance and counselling services for both students and parents. This addresses issues such as low academic performance, lack of motivation, and psychosocial challenges that may hinder students' learning experiences.

Through her active involvement in Brave Movement Global and campaigns like
#EndSex4Marks, Nankunda has brought attention to the issue of child sexual
violence, leading to stronger enforcement of laws, and better support systems for victims, resulting in a decrease in instances of child sexual violence in communities where she operates.

She co-founded Wezasha Girls Network Uganda, whose work has led to improved access to education for girls and boys. By providing support, resources, and advocacy, she has empowered more children, especially girls, to enrol and stay in school, leading to higher literacy rates, increased opportunities, and improved socio-economic outcomes for individuals and communities.

Nankunda Hope Mwijuka coordinates the Central Region in Uganda for Girls Not
Brides Uganda, a global coalition of over 100 civil society organisations working to end child marriage. Her leadership has contributed to a reduction in child marriage rates in the Central Region, ensuring that more girls can stay in school, pursue their education, and avoid early marriages.

She also serves as a member of the National Steering Committee for Parenting
Agenda for Uganda, hosted by the Ministry of Gender Labour and SocialDevelopment, which aims to promote positive parenting.

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