Young girls shine at GCA, celebrating Resilience and Achievement

9 October 2025, 7:23 pm

Byamulama Alozious

The Girl Champion Awards (GCA) has celebrated outstanding young girls and women who are driving positive change in their communities. The event, highlighted the achievements of girls and young women who have overcome challenges and demonstrated exceptional commitment to effecting sustained change.

In her remarks, Chief Guest Jacqueline Asiimwe urged girls to be teachable, optimistic, ready, nurtured, and open. Her message emphasized the importance of these qualities in empowering girls to reach their full potential.

Lenia Charity, NRM candidate for vvura county and Girl Champion 2024, emphasized the importance of empowering girls and providing them with opportunities to reach their full potential. She stated, “Never underestimate the power of one year, one moment, and one opportunity to change your life and the lives of others.”

The Girl Champion Awards included various categories such as Girl Champion Of The Year, which recognizes candidates who demonstrate outstanding overall qualities in leadership, who motivate and empower girls in their fields across sectors. The Girl Earth Award recognizes Girl Champions that have excelled through Sustainable and Environmental Conservation. The Survivor Advocate Award recognizes Survivor Leaders who have used their platforms To Advocate For The Safety And Protection Of The Girl Child.

Other award categories included Girl Education Award, Unique Abilities Award, SRHR Girl Champion Award, Girl Innovation Award, The SDG Champion Award, Girl Lifetime Achiever’s Award, Girl Sports Inspiration Award, Girl Master of Art Award, and Media Girl Champion Award.

Some of the award winners included Augustino from Bololi camp, Adjumani, who won the Survivor Advocate Award for her advocacy work on good health, development, and sexual reproductive health. Atim Caroline won the Girl Earth Award for her efforts on environmental conservation and climate change. Mercy Fiona Akello, one of the winners, expressed her determination, saying, “I am going to present my peers and show them it’s possible.”

Peace Harriet Elly, a refugee from Bibidi, shared her experience of looking for a platform to share her advocacy with decision-makers. For her, the Girl Champion Awards provided the perfect opportunity. “I’ve been looking for a platform where I can share my advocacy with decision-makers, and the award in front of great minds was such an opportunity,” she said.

The National Girl Champion Awards 2025, themed “Increasing Opportunities for Girls and Young Women Everywhere,” took place on October 8, 2025, at Hotel Africana. The event attracted over 600 entries for 12 categories, showcasing the remarkable talent and dedication of young girls in Uganda. The awards were supported by organizations such as the Kaleke Kasome Foundation, Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, and AHF Uganda Cares, among others.