Ajang, the Assistant Head Girl of Don Bosco Senior Secondary School, is a dynamic and well-rounded young leader who refuses to let anything hold her back.

She joined our mentorship program in 2022 and has since been an inspiration to her fellow girls and her school, embodying the belief that Girls Are Born to Lead. Reflecting on her journey, Ajang shared, “Before joining the Crown The Woman mentorship program, I was lost. But when I joined, it was like light had come into my life. Now, I have aims, objectives, and a clear focus for my future!”

Recently, Ajang was part of the South Sudan women’s delegation that traveled to South Africa for the African Women in Dialogue (AfWID) conference under the theme: “Women’s Voice and Power as Agents of Change – Strengthening the Continental African Women Towards a New Value-Based Ecosystem.”

This was her first time traveling outside South Sudan, and she admitted feeling nervous. However, she embraced the experience, making new friends from across Africa and connecting with inspiring women. Reflecting on her journey, she said, “I have learned that as African women, we all face challenges—though they come in different forms. But when you put yourself first and stay focused, you realize you’re not alone. Through the different sessions, I found answers to questions I had long struggled with.”

Ajang’s journey is a testament to the power of mentorship, leadership, and the unwavering spirit of young African women determined to create change.

Hello and welcome!

I am Adaha Dominic, a teacher at Bright Boma School and a mentor working with Crown The Woman, South Sudan. My life has been positively transformed through the mentorship programs and training offered by Crown The Woman—the bearer and nurturer of life.

With their guidance and support, I have been able to translate my learning into practical impact, especially for students, particularly girls, in schools and communities. As a leader, I have mentored many students who have gone on to become leaders themselves—leaders who advocate for and promote gender equality in schools and beyond.

Achievements Through Mentorship

1. Increased Girls’ School Attendance

Many girls are now able to continue their education due to ongoing mentorship sessions, guidance, and counseling. These programs focus on gender equality, human rights awareness, girls’ empowerment, menstrual hygiene management (MHM), and gender-based violence (GBV) education.

Through Crown The Woman, girls have access to sanitary pads, allowing them to attend school without interruption, even during their menstrual periods. This has significantly reduced absenteeism and eliminated the shame and stigma associated with menstruation. As a result, school dropout rates among girls have greatly decreased.

2. Reduced School Dropout Due to Unintended Pregnancies

Before the mentorship programs, many girls dropped out of school due to unintended pregnancies caused by a lack of awareness and education. However, through Crown The Woman’s mentorship initiatives, we have witnessed a decline in dropout rates. Some girls who had previously left school have even re-enrolled and are continuing their education.

3. Empowering Girls in Leadership

Many girls at Bright Boma School have become leaders and now participate equally with boys in school leadership positions. They speak openly during assemblies, advocate against gender-based violence, and act as the voice of girls in the school. These young leaders now campaign for a more inclusive and safe learning environment, and I am honored to be their mentor and guardian.

4. Developing Active Listeners and Decision-Makers

Most importantly, many girls have developed strong listening and decision-making skills. They actively listen to challenges and make positive, informed decisions. While there is still more work to be done, we, as mentors under Crown The Woman, remain committed to guiding them.

Reflections on My Journey

My journey with Crown The Woman has been a transformative one:

1. Becoming a Mentor and Leader
   Crown The Woman has shaped me into a leader who advises, guides, and supports girls, women, and the broader community. I now understand their challenges better and help them improve through counseling and mentorship.

2. Understanding Human Rights and Peacebuilding
   Working with Crown The Woman has deepened my understanding of human rights and peacebuilding. I now advocate for peaceful coexistence and emphasize the importance of respecting the rights of others, especially women and girls.

3. Helping Girls Navigate Challenges and Make Informed Decisions
   I take pride in mentoring girls and helping them develop the skills they need to overcome challenges and make informed decisions. This is made possible through continuous interaction, guidance, and mentorship.

Through Crown The Woman, I have become an advocate for inclusive, supportive, and safe learning and working environments for girls and women.

I look forward to sharing more in the future, especially the positive feedback from my mentees and their parents.

Thank you!

My name is Sukeji Modi. I am glad to share my journey and early days as a mentee of Crown the Woman South Sudan, an Organization that ushered many Girls and Women to empowerment and Gender equality projects that positively influenced their lives in South Sudan.

My journey in Crown The Woman South Sudan started the Adolescent Girls mentorship program that was organized for Secondary schools through engaging activities which included Debates, mentorship sessions and Games this was the genesis of more marvelous sessions with certified mentors who always reached out to tackle sensitive topics such as menstrual health, child marriage and Gender Based Violence this birthed great impact among adolescents girls where I stand as a beneficiary and the creation of lucrative clubs in secondary schools like the Gender Based Violence club which elevated the leadership perspective of young people to the angle of  Gender inclusivity in leadership.

ACHIEVEMENTS.

Through this mentorship program, I got the opportunity to attend the East Africa Girls Leadership Summit 2019 in Nairobi, which further boosted my advocacy skills. I  graduated as a peer educator, which made me a mentor to my peers ever since then till date.

I furthermore attained a recommendation from the Executive Director to soar in higher spaces as she is the founder of a global organization that advocates for the rights of Girls through Girl-centered projects.

I currently serve as a member of the Girls Advisory Council, where we discuss issues affecting girls with sustainable solutions, which offers me a wide opportunity in building networks, executing global girl-centered agendas, and enhancing my leadership skills.

ANY ADVICE TO MY YOUNGER SELF.

I would advise my younger self to believe in the beauty of my dreams and grab opportunities that align with my passion, as well as keep in touch with like-minded circles, mentors, and friends.

My special thanks to Crown the Woman South Sudan and the leadership of Mrs. Riya William for tirelessly empowering girls and creating impact. This legacy speaks and continues to be a beacon of Hope and transformation in South Sudan.

Many young girls who benefitted from the mentorship activities of Crown The Woman can attest to the role models this space introduced to them beyond the activities of impact. There are infinite stories of resilience, growth, and empowerment that the awesome organization has written in the pages of every South Sudanese adolescent girl who attended the programs.

Donors and stakeholders remain the driving force behind the tremendous impact that Crown The Woman has driven in South Sudan. May it continue to reach other girls who will also benefit and actualize their dreams and create a GBV-free South Sudan.