Helping girls find their voice in Galkayo

For nearly 18 years, Ayaan has taught children at Sayid Cali Primary School in Faratoyo village, Galkayo District. Throughout her career, she has seen how education can open opportunities for children. But a recent training helped her see that supporting girls requires more than teaching lessons in the classroom.

When Ayaan joined the Girls Empowerment Forum as a mentor, she brought years of teaching experience but had received little previous training in structured mentorship specifically designed to support girls.

“The training opened my eyes to new ways of supporting girls, not only academically but also socially and emotionally,” Ayaan says. “We discussed the challenges girls face, including a lack of confidence, limited participation and societal expectations, and learned practical ways to address them.”

Ayaan describes the experience as a turning point in her career. The training encouraged her to consider how teachers can also serve as mentors and advocates, creating spaces where girls feel comfortable speaking, asking questions and supporting one another.

A safe space to speak

After completing the training, Ayaan began facilitating regular Girls Empowerment Forum sessions at her school. During the sessions, girls discuss challenges affecting their education and personal development, share experiences and strengthen practical skills.

The sessions cover topics such as decision-making, time management, communication, basic financial management and balancing schoolwork with responsibilities at home. Girls are also encouraged to participate in school and community activities and express their views on matters affecting their lives.

Ayaan soon began noticing changes. Girls who had previously been quiet or hesitant were beginning to participate more actively in class. They were asking questions, sharing ideas and speaking more confidently about their aspirations.

One moment has stayed with her: a girl who rarely spoke during group discussions stood up and told her classmates that she wanted to become a doctor.

“That moment showed me the impact of what we are doing,” Ayaan says. “It is not only about education. It is about giving girls the courage to dream.”

Making their own decisions

The change is also being felt by girls participating in the forums.

Sadia Mohamed Farah, a student at Bursalah Primary School, says the sessions have helped her become more confident when speaking in front of others.

“I have gained a lot of confidence since I started attending the sessions,” Sadia says. “Now I can stand up and speak in public. I also understand how to make decisions about my life.”

Sadia already has a clear ambition for her future.

“I want to become a teacher and help children who are unable to attend school,” she says.

For Sadia, the forum is not simply an extracurricular activity. It is a place where she can think about her future, listen to other girls and become more confident in making decisions for herself.

Change beyond the forum

School leaders have also observed changes in how girls participate in school life. Sadiq Mohamed, Head Teacher at Rajo Primary School in Galkayo, says girls taking part in the initiative are becoming more visible and active during school activities.

“The Girls Empowerment Forum has helped girls become more confident and participate more actively,” he says. “We can see this during school ceremonies, inter-class competitions and other school events. Girls are expressing themselves and engaging with others more confidently.”

For Ayaan, mentoring the girls has added a new dimension to her work as a teacher. Her experience has also reminded her that professional learning does not end after many years in the classroom.

Today, she continues to guide girls as they build confidence, discuss the challenges they face and develop skills that can support them at school, at home and in their communities.

“As teachers, we have an important role in helping girls recognize their abilities,” Ayaan says. “When they are given a safe space and the right support, they can speak for themselves and work towards the future they want.”