Somewhere in the audience at the modelling competition, a younger girl was watching. She saw someone who looks like her, from a community like hers, standing proudly in front of the whole school. In that moment, something changed in what she believes is possible for herself.
Role models matter. In communities where few women hold visible positions, girls often have no picture of what success looks like for someone like them. Without that picture, it is easy to accept that school is not for them and that their future has already been decided.
This young participant, standing beside the EcoRise South Sudan banner, has become that picture for others. Through our support for the inter-school modelling competition, EcoRise is helping create visible, positive role models for girls across schools.
The banner behind her also carries our message. EcoRise works on climate resilience, gender equality, digital inclusion, livelihoods and peacebuilding, and child protection. By connecting youth talent with these causes, we reach young people in a way that classroom talks alone cannot.
Every girl who stands tall gives another girl permission to do the same.
#EcoRiseSouthSudan #IREP #SouthSudan #GirlsEducation #RoleModels #YouthEmpowerment
With support from @Cohere and @Quadrature Climate Foundation
