Our transformative experience at the Girls First Summit

16 hours ago

3 min read

Updated: 5 hours ago

By GirlUp Lira team

We were greatly honored to attend the Girls First Summit on 27th August 2026 at Fairway Boutique Hotel, Kampala, Uganda. This summit was not simply a conference where girls were discussed, it was a dynamic space where girls themselves led the conversation, shaping dialogue and inspiring action.

From the very beginning, the atmosphere was powerful. Girls spoke with confidence, mentors guided with compassion, and organizers created a safe environment where every voice was valued. One of the most memorable sessions was the Girl Hour, where adolescent Girl Experts shared their experiences from their communities. Their clarity and courage reminded us that girls are not just participants in programs, they are leaders, experts, and changemakers in their own right.

One line from the day has stayed with us long after we left the room: "Consent with conditions is meaningless." It was the kind of statement that stops you mid-thought, simple, direct, and impossible to unhear.

Key reflections

The summit offered lessons that continue to resonate deeply with our team.

The importance of tools and preparation.

During sessions with girls, film was used as a tool for engagement. We learned the significance of reviewing materials beforehand to ensure they are safe, appropriate, and empowering. This practice safeguards the integrity of the learning experience and ensures that content uplifts rather than harms.

Mental health as a cornerstone of leadership.

Mental health was emphasized as crucial for everyone, mentors, leaders, and mentees alike. Supporting emotional well‑being is not optional; it is essential. The summit reminded us that strong leadership and effective advocacy are built on a foundation of mental resilience and care.

Fun Moment

Amid the depth of the discussions, there was room to laugh too. During the mental health session, the "mad chicken" icebreaker had the whole room on its feet, a burst of energy and laughter that reminded us how joy and healing go hand in hand.

Participants shared during the mental health session

Beyond the structured sessions, the summit was a place of connection

We left not only with notebooks full of insights but also with new sisters, mentors, and allies. These relationships will strengthen our outreach and expand our impact in communities. The summit reinforced our belief that collaboration multiplies change, and that every organization, mentor, and girl contribute to a larger movement for justice and equality.

Our Commitment Going Forward

We returned home with renewed commitment to amplify girls’ voices, embed girl‑centered design in our programs, and strengthen mentorship that transforms individuals and communities alike. As a concrete next step, we plan to begin incorporating film as an engagement tool in our own sessions, applying the same care in reviewing content beforehand that we learned at the summit. The summit was a reminder that change is not only possible, it is already happening, and we are part of it.

We extend heartfelt appreciation to Girl Rising for seeing us, hearing us, and giving GirlUp Club Lira a seat at the table. We came to learn, but we left knowing we also have something powerful to contribute to numerous communities. The Girls First Summit was not just an event, it was a movement. And we are proud to be part of it.