The young generation speaks out

Who inspires them? Every 8th of March is a day dedicated to women in recognition of their achievements globally. This year’s theme is, Connecting girls: Inspiring futures. FullWoman asked some girls about the women who inspire them and why, writes Esther Oluka

The International Women’s Day is just days away. The world commemorates the milestones women have achieved over the years and looking on to an even greater future. In Uganda, we have our own success stories despite the hurdles that stand in our way. This year’s theme focuses on the younger generation, the key to the future of the women’s movement. As we go about our lives making milestones, these young women look up to us as role models. While you may not have made strides like many women in the public arena, in one way or another you have inspired a future. A few girls pointed out the women who inspire them.

Dorah Nankiga, S.4 student at City High School
Mariam Ndagire, the famous singer, actress and film director has always been my role model. This is because of her assertive character that has managed to take her to places that only other women dream of. I used to think that directing movies was only a man’s job until I saw her in a certain magazine directing the cameraman on what to do. That is remarkable of any woman. I badly wanted to follow her footsteps but because of the increasing misuse of funds in the country, I believe studying accounting will enable me understand why such evils happen in Government. If I wanted to anyway, I would take both professions.

Specioza Nabweteme, S.2 student at City High School
Last year, when I was attending a youth conference in Kampala, Pastor Jessica Kayanja was introduced as one of the chief guests expected to give a speech. As she narrated about some of the challenges that she faces as a woman, I was deeply touched. Her overwhelming story struck me at heart and it was at that moment that I began feeling a great admiration towards her. Not only was her story incredible, but her presentation too was striking. One thing that she said during the conference and has remained at heart is that prayers and working hard can actually take you to places.

Betty Adong, P.7 at East Kololo Primary School
My number one biggest source of inspiration is the Kitgum Woman Member of Parliament, Beatrice Anywar. Her deep emotional background of how she started in life and how she was able to cater for her siblings is motivating to me. After losing my mother, my aunt took me up together with my four other siblings. I am therefore always driven by the fact that if Beatrice could cope with her sort of situation, who am I not to. There was a time I was even more motivated by her after watching her on television opposing the giveaway of Mabira forest .The way she freely expressed herself in front of the policemen was really courageous. She is bold and I must say that in the near future I am taking on politics.

Mary Nyadoi, S.1 Luzira SS
Every time I hear Juliana Kanyomozi sing, I always wish it was me. There is nothing in this world that is as comforting as her voice and this is why I always want to listen to her songs after a tedious school term. Though I do not have a great voice like hers, I will try practising for example by joining the school choir. My two favourite songs of hers are Kanyimbe and Nabikoowa. Though I have a general overview of what the songs mean, I quite do not understand the meaning of each word. Meanwhile, I will put my heart into studying accounting.

Deborah Akidi, S.2 Crane High School
Judith Babirye, the gospel artiste, has always been my biggest source of inspiration. Not only does she have a nice melodic voice but her songs always have a strong message attached to them. Yesu Beranage my favourite of them all, is what I listen to when I’m sad or when someone really close to me has hurt my feelings. I always wanted to follow her footsteps until recently when I read in a certain newspaper that her husband had been beating her. It is when I made up my mind to become a lawyer so that I could defend women like her.

Justine Masikombi, S.3 Kyambogo College
Oprah Winfred has always been my greatest source of inspiration. Not only does her personality stand out, but the way she also carries herself among other women is lovable as well as admirable. There was this particular time during her show that she gave every member of the audience a car and I just wished there and then I was somehow related to her. She has a “big heart” and someday I pray I become just like her.

Joanita Nalwanga, S.3 Kitante Hill School
Women in the current parliament have always motivated me mainly because of their courageous and assertive nature during debates. My biggest role model however is the Speaker, Rebecca Kadaga. She is such a bold woman. There are times that those debates really get heated up, but I’m amazed at the way she restores order back into the house. With such amazing attributes, I only wish she could visit schools more often and at least give advice to us girls on how to become successful like her.

Maureen Atim S2, Naguru High School
Female doctors have always been my biggest source of inspiration because of their level of perseverance and endurance. For starters, the science subjects at both the O- and A-levels are not only practical, but also, they need a lot of time and dedication. No wonder most of the time the female science students in school do not go for social events because of limited time. Nevertheless, their efforts have always paid off one way or the other and you find that they are working in some of Kampala’s biggest hospitals and clinics. I would like to become like anyone of them someday.

Dutches Kwiocwiny, Kyambogo College School
My headmistress, Ms Annet Lubanga is my biggest role model. Not only does she give good advice, but her kindness towards every girl in school is undisputable. There are times she comes and asks us about some of the challenges we are facing and she goes a step further to guide us on what to do. That sort of motherliness towards us is what I admire most about her. Some day when I become a headmistress as well, I would like to carry myself around among the students just like the way she does. She is just an incredible woman.