Empowering Girls Through Mentorship: My Journey with Crown The Woman

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!