The air was electric with optimism as more than 200 women gathered for the Girls for Girls (G4G) Summit, a landmark event themed “Embracing Change and Leading with Courage.”
From seasoned executives to young professionals, the summit brought together women from all walks of life, united by a shared purpose: to inspire, connect, and empower one another to lead with vision and authenticity in a rapidly changing world.
The highlight of the summit was the keynote address by Joanita Menya.
The Guest of Hnonor Patrick Ayota, Managing Director of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), delivered an eye-opening session on financial empowerment.
He introduced an inspiring three-phase model, the “25/25/25” principle, to guide women through their financial journeys.
Ayota described the first 25 years as the “morning of life”, a period for discovering purpose and learning from mistakes.
The next 25 years, the “afternoon of life,” he said, should be dedicated to saving and investing wisely, with NSSF as a trusted partner.
The final 25 years, the “evening of life,” are for enjoying the fruits of one’s labour, living fully and purposefully.
Perspectives on change and growth
Among the guest speakers, Joanita Mukasa Menya, Managing Director of Vivo Energy, reminded participants that while some change is driven by external forces, true transformation begins from within.
Guest of Honour Amelia Kyambadde echoed this, noting that change is an inevitable part of growth.
“If you realize there is no change in your life,” she said, “then you must accept that your life has stagnated.”
A panel of women leaders
The summit also featured a thought-provoking panel discussion moderated by Rachel Dumba, CEO of Steadman, who led a dynamic conversation on leadership, resilience, and courage.
Panelists Rebecca Amoding (Rukidi HR), Eileen Baguma (EACOP HR and Corporate Affairs Lead), Florence Nsubuga (Managing Director, Berkeley Energy), and Joan Magezi (Team Lead Coach, Imagine Me) shared candid insights into navigating workplace challenges, breaking barriers, and charting a path to leadership.
Their openness and authenticity resonated deeply with the audience, encouraging women to embrace challenges as stepping stones toward growth.
Through their stories, they demonstrated that resilience, confidence, and purpose-driven leadership are the hallmarks of lasting impact.
The power of sisterhood
Breaking Barriers: Charles Mudiwa on Intergenerational Leadership at Makerere Allen Sophia Asiimwe, Global Co-Founder of Girls for Girls, highlighted the organization’s global footprint, active in more than 40 countries and having mentored over 12,000 women and girls.
She urged women to uplift one another, reminding them that behind every woman facing challenges stands a G4G sister ready to help her rise.
She also emphasized that when women support one another, “individual pain transforms into shared strength and collective progress.”
Diana Kikuuba Ninsiima, G4G Country Manager, celebrated the organization’s growing impact, noting that many mentees are now becoming mentors, a testament to G4G’s powerful cycle of empowerment.
She also introduced the G4G Savings Fund, designed to boost financial literacy and encourage women to plan proactively for the future.
The fund seeks to empower women to take charge of their finances while supporting initiatives central to G4G’s mission.
Women leading change
The summit culminated in a colourful awards ceremony celebrating women whose work has created meaningful change in their communities and professions.
Among those honoured were Monica Kasirye Kavuma for Community Impact Recognition, Mona Muguma Ssebuliba as Inspirational Voice, and Eileen Baguma as Corporate Ally of the Year.
Others included Fortunate Ingabire for Social Impact of the Year and Priscilla Nyachwo as Rising Star, Patience Namanya for Leadership Excellence, and Viola Mboneko Rusoke as Mentor of the Year.
The prestigious G4G Founders Award went to Amelia Kyambadde, in recognition of her long-standing commitment to women’s empowerment and mentorship.
Movement of change makers
As the summit came to a close, the atmosphere was charged with hope, purpose, and renewed commitment.
The stories shared and lessons learned reminded every woman present that embracing change requires courage, and courage grows when women stand together.
Joining Girls for Girls (G4G) means becoming part of a transformative movement where every mentor fuels the rise of the next leader.
The summit proved one thing beyond doubt: when women lead with courage and unity, they not only change their own lives, they change the world.
