Celebrating the Day of the African Child 2019

Human Rights Action in Africa: Children’s Rights First

On 16th June 2019 we joined partners to celebrate The Day of the African Child (DAC2019), celebrating children standing up for their rights and contributing to the future of the continent. It’s held to honor the thousands of children and students who marched in apartheid South Africa on 16th June 1976 to protest about the poor quality of their education. Many were shot, beaten and killed, and it led to the Soweto uprising against the apartheid regime, and resulting in global condemnation, and ultimately reversed and rid South Africa of Apartheid.

Uganda’s national celebrations were held at Acet primary school, which is part of WGEF’s HPI initiative providing school girls with monthly deliveries of local made sanitary product. Children all over Uganda marked the day by speaking out to claim their rights to education, healthcare and protection, and to highlight issues that affect their lives, including the theme: NO Reason NO Excuse Child Marriage Is an Abuse!

Primary school children came together to discuss their most important issues and raise them with politicians and local leaders. Many topics were discussed, under the leadership of schoolchildren Awacango Priscilla and Akena Joel, who acted as Speaker and Clerk of Parliament for the day. The day concluded with students/children presenting a petition to the Deputy Speaker of the Ugandan Parliament who was the Guest of honor, setting out highlights and recommendations from the Children’s Parliament.

WGEF conducted a menstrual health lab providing critical information and education to children, students, guests and elected official. Free  Lucky Girl sanitary pad packs were  provided to girls and guests.

The Deputy Speaker of Parliament Hon. Jacob Olanya inspected WGEF’s HPI exhibition tent and lab, applauding the important significance of the Healthy Periods Initiative and our efforts in contributing to gender equality in the education sector by supporting girls to fully access their right to education and human rights.

It’s about dignity, PERIOD.