Dancing for equality and celebrating International Day of the Girl in Tanzania

To mark International Day of the Girl Child female students and female staff members at Isamilo International School gave up their Saturday morning to help to empower disadvantaged girls from Mwanza, Tanzania. I was among some of the staff helping out.

The majority of the Tanzanian children who regularly attend the voluntary run Saturday School are boys, so as a nod to solidarity for women and an awareness of the of this day of equality, this weeks Saturday School was exclusively for girls.

Through dancing, swimming, art and crafts, learning English and discussions on personal health, the girls were encouraged to build their confidence and develop their skills.

Isamilo’s Saturday School was born out of a desire to actively help disadvantaged youngsters from the wider community in Mwanza, many of whom have lost one or both of their parents due to HIV AIDS, and to share some of the the privileges enjoyed by students at the International school.

International Day of the Girl Child is an international observance day started by the United Nations on October 11, 2012. The observation supports more opportunity for girls, and increases awareness of inequality faced by girls worldwide based upon their gender.

“On this International Day of the Girl Child, I call on all governments to take action to end all forms of violence against girls in all parts of the world. Together, we must create a world where violence against women and girls is never tolerated and girls are always empowered to reach their full potential.”  Ban Ki-Moon Secretary General of the United Nations.