Advocating For The Girl Child
Empowering The Girl Child, One Voice At A Time
Across many African communities, the girl child still grows up facing limitations she did not choose—barriers to education, cultural expectations, and silence around her struggles. Yet every girl carries a destiny that deserves room to rise.
Advocating for the girl child means protecting her voice, expanding her opportunities, and challenging the beliefs that hold her back. When we stand for her, we shape not only her future, but the future of families and communities.
This is the heart of MBTW’s mission. And it is within this mission that we introduce a young Ugandan woman, Abalo Mercy Aber, whose journey embodies the resilience and potential of the girl child. Mercy has been officially appointed as MBTW's International Advocate for the Girl Child and this is because she has a lived experience that gives her a credible, authentic voice that resonates deeply with girls, communities, and international partners. Here's her story:
Mercy’s Story: From Rejection to Resilience
Mercy was born into a polygamous household where her father openly opposed girls’ education. He once told her mother:
I will only give money for food, but anything concerning Mercy’s school fees, I am not into that.
Despite this, Mercy’s mother refused to give up. From her small business earnings, she paid Mercy’s school fees from nursery through secondary school. Mercy excelled academically, proving her father wrong at every stage. When her mother could no longer keep up with the fees, Mercy entered a relationship hoping it would provide the financial support she needed. However. she became pregnant and faced the stigma her father had predicted. Yet instead of being defeated, she rose again — completed university, qualified as a lawyer, and transformed her pain into purpose. Her journey is not just inspiring; it is a powerful advocacy tool for girls who feel unseen, unheard, or discouraged.
Why Mercy’s Voice Matters
Mercy’s testimony reflects the realities faced by many Ugandan (african) girls. These include:
- Cultural pressure
- Financial barriers especially concerning education
- Stigma
- Early school dropout
- Lack of support from fathers or guardians
Her story shows that a girl’s mistakes do not define her future, and that education can break generational cycles. Because she has lived these experiences, Mercy can stand before girls and say:
I thought relationships were the only solution, but they weren’t. Yet God gave me strength to rise again and finish school.”
Her honesty makes her relatable, trustworthy, and deeply impactful.
🌍 Mercy’s Role at MBTW Foundation, Uganda
In Mercy's role as MBTW's Trustee & International Advocate for the Girl Child, she will:
- Represent MBTW in international forums, conferences, and partnerships.
- Advocate for girls’ education, safety, and empowerment.
- Mentor young women facing similar challenges.
- Support fundraising and awareness efforts.
- Serve as a bridge between Ugandan realities and global conversations.
- Contribute to MBTW’s governance and strategic direction.
Her lived experience gives her a credible, authentic voice that resonates deeply with girls, communities, and international partners.
Why We Are Raising Funds
To strengthen Mercy’s impact and help her step fully into her international advocacy role, MBTW Foundation, Uganda is raising funds to support:
1. Her Law Development Centre (LDC) Programme
Mercy’s legal training was halted due to financial constraints. Completing her LDC programme will not only advance her career, but also strengthen MBTW’s ability to support women with legal cases.
2. Professional Development & Global Exposure
Funds raised will support Mercy’s participation in:
- International conferences
- UN Women, UNICEF, and global NGO forums.
- Public speaking and advocacy training
- Human Rights and International Law Workshops
- Mentorship and Exchange Opportunities
- Future Fellowships (e.g., Chevening, Mandela Washington Fellowship)
3. Storytelling, Media & Publications
MBTW is documenting Mercy’s journey for her coauthored books, advocacy campaigns, international publications, newsletters, webinars and conferences and policy briefs. Your support helps amplify her voice globally.
Why This Matters
Mercy’s story is not just her own — it represents thousands of Ugandan girls who are told they cannot, should not, or will not succeed. By supporting Mercy, you are:
- Investing in a powerful advocate.
- Strengthening MBTW’s mission.
- Amplifying the voice of the Girl Child.
- Helping a young woman complete her legal training.
- Enabling her to stand on global platforms.
- Transforming her lived experience into leadership.
Mercy’s life is proof that destiny can rise from rejection, and purpose can emerge from pain. With your support, she will continue to inspire, advocate, and open doors for girls across Uganda and the world. Your contribution — no matter the size — helps Mercy rise higher and reach further.