For All Women and Girls: Gloria Loumo on Empowerment Through Education

Gloria Loumo, 27, from a small village in the Karamoja region of north-eastern Uganda, knows the challenges of navigating life’s obstacles all too well. In 2018, her education was interrupted when she became pregnant during her senior five year at Kangole Girls Secondary School. The father of her child denied responsibility, and Gloria faced rejection from her family.

“I was only saved by my other brother, who gave me temporary shelter in Moroto town,” Gloria recalls. “I had to fend for myself while pregnant. After an emergency operation, I gave birth to my daughter, Venesa.”

Her turning point came when she learned about the UN Women-supported Second Chance Education Programme, implemented by the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Uganda Chapter and funded under the Unified Budget, Results, and Accountability Framework (UBRAF).

"Learning about the program was a ray of hope in my darkest hour," Gloria shares. “It wasn’t easy juggling school and childcare, but I was determined to succeed.”

Speaking at a 2024 regional youth summit convened by the office of the First Lady, Janet Museveni, Loumo shared her cautionary tale with fervor, urging her peers to learn from her mistakes. "One mistake in life can alter your path irreversibly," she emphasized, her words resonating with the hundreds of students in attendance.

Actions to Support Girls’ Education

Since 2019, the Second Chance Education Programme has supported over 200 young women and girls, providing education and vocational training to empower them. Gloria believes community support is vital for success.

“We need local leaders to champion girls’ education,” she emphasizes. Through partnerships with schools, community centers, and local governments, the program will ensure more girls like Gloria have a second chance to pursue their dreams.

She also emphasizes the importance of mentorship. “Seeing other women succeed through education inspires confidence,” Gloria says. She adds that she hopes to one day become a teacher, enabling her to better advocate for the importance of girls’ education in her community, where many parents still view educating girls as a waste of resources.

While Gloria has yet to secure a job, returning to school has sparked her creativity and inspired her to start a small business to sustain her livelihood.

The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: Relevant Today

For Gloria, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action is a beacon of hope. Its emphasis on education and economic empowerment for girls and women remains as relevant today as it was 30 years ago.

“It highlights the transformative power of education in breaking cycles of poverty and inequality,” Gloria says. Her journey reflects the importance of ensuring that every girl has access to opportunities, no matter her circumstances.

For all women and girls…

Gloria’s message is clear: “For all women and girls, the future is education. Let’s ensure no one is left behind.”