We talked to Milly Nassolo Kikomeko about her work as a Girl Child advocate and what she did to mark the International Day Of The Girl Child.
Can you share some information about yourself?
I am Milly Nassolo Kikomeko, a social educator, a gender advocate, and an advocate for children’s and women’s rights. I hold a B.A. in Laws from Kampala International University. Since 2014, I have been working as a legal assistant at Lubega, Ssaka, and Co. Advocates, and I continue to practice as a lawyer there. I have also been a public speaker on various platforms, where I mentor teenagers in gender capacity development.
Furthermore, I serve as the Co-founder and Director in charge of Legal, Women, and Children Affairs at Maisha Holistic Africa Foundation, a non-profit organization in Uganda. Our organization focuses on various important areas, including education for children, empowerment of girls in leadership, HIV/AIDS awareness, menstrual hygiene, personal development, and entrepreneurial skills to promote sustainable development for youths and women.
My advocacy for gender equality has granted me privileged access to events, conferences, and the opportunity to build work-based relationships with various groundbreaking individuals and organizations in Uganda.
Tell us about your work as a Girl Child advocate
I am dedicated to helping the girl child shatter the glass ceilings that impede her growth, sever the hold of gender stereotypes that stifle her behavioral makeup, teach her to abandon societal constructs that are inimical to her personal growth, and reorient her to break the chains of deeply entrenched indoctrinations. My perpetual end goal is to imbue young girls with the gusto and learned acumen to discard society’s scripts while they consciously choose to adhere to the paths of their self-decided purposes.
To achieve this, I organize training, seminars, workshops, and set up other educational yet thrilling events from time to time. My primary target audience is secondary school girls as they have a somewhat pristine mind, untarnished by societal dictates. I want them to grow out of the stifling spaces boxing them in, preventing them from spreading their wings and taking to the sky, where they can only soar to the ends of time.
Is it not a daunting task? Of course, it is. Is it not taxing?
No doubt. However, as long as, at least, one girl child benefits from an activity, at a time, I rest assured that the results will become so infectious in no time, that reaching to the ends of the world, to uncharted corners of this nation, will become a facile achievement. One girl at a time. That’s the goal. That’s the eternal drive.
I am also very particular about reimagining women in our society. Every woman is a requisite and indispensable functional part of any society. A woman is not a cog in the big society’s machine. I mean, she holds equal importance in the growth of a society, just like a man does. If a man is seen as a fulcrum, then a woman is the exact same one, too—not a replica. Every woman need not just understand this reality; she has to let it guide her actions. She has to let it dictate her contributive quotient. She has to let it push her out of the confines of her comfort zone. She has to let it put her in a pole position to achieve her individual and societally collective dreams.
I actively engage women on social media and through my constant blog posts. I also use Twitter as an effective communication tool to ignite meaningful conversations. I regularly share insightful content and host Twitter spaces.
What is the International Day of the Girl Child all about, and why is it important?
The International Day of the Girl Child, designated by the United Nations, is a significant observance aimed at directing the spotlight towards the challenges and requirements of girls. This day emphasizes the necessity to confront the obstacles faced by girls, empower them, and ensure the protection of their human rights. This day holds a crucial significance as it serves as an opportunity to not only celebrate and amplify the voices of girls worldwide but also to underscore the essential role they, just like boys, play in our society.
What are you doing differently this year to mark the day, and why?
This year, we hosted an awareness event during which we distributed custom-designed exercise books to secondary school students. This significant occasion featured inspirational speeches, discussions about shared female experiences, Question and Answer sessions focused on female identity, the challenges of overcoming stereotypes, and how to lead fulfilling lives.
During the event, we introduced our magazine for the International Day of the Girl Child. It’s a vibrant and engaging publication designed to inspire girls. The magazine includes discussions, poems, short stories, and insightful interviews with exceptional women. I’m delighted to share that there are also sections tailored for younger readers! Our overarching goal is to convey a universal message to all girls, regardless of their age group.
How can people be a part of it, or lend their voices?
To join this advocacy, you can contact me through any of my social media profiles or send an email to [email protected]. I am always open to collaboration in any capacity that benefits the growth of young lives. You have the option to sponsor upcoming events or establish an ongoing partnership. Your contribution will provide more girls with the tools they need to overcome the limitations placed upon them.
Are you a journalist, blogger, influencer, or fellow advocate? Please, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. Shedding light on the positive work we’re doing for our society is a meaningful endeavor. It’s about conveying a message, not seeking the spotlight.
I also enjoy working with creative individuals. If you are someone who wants to use your skills to support gender advocacy, I would be excited to combine our resources as we strive to become consistent agents of lasting change.
Do you also work with the boy child?
It’s important to note that I am just as enthusiastic about promoting the holistic development of boys as I am about advocating for girls. However, I must acknowledge that I can relate more closely to the experiences of girls than boys, which limits my ability to be a leading advocate for boys.
Nonetheless, this does not discourage me. I’ve dedicated a series on my blog to the growth and development of boys. This platform allows boy-child advocates to share their work and personal experiences with a global audience. The series focuses on engaging discussions about the passions, challenges, motivations, visions, and dreams of boys.
It offers valuable insights for boys, guiding them on their journey to becoming better versions of themselves despite the obstacles they may face. Furthermore, it provides me with an up-close view of the world of boys while assisting and supporting boy-child advocates who emphasize responsible fatherhood, empathetic leadership, and gender equality.
