International Day of the Girl Child 2025

Speech by the President General

Theme: “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead”

Distinguished guests, esteemed members of Nkumu Fed Fed, development partners, friends, and most importantly, our bright and resilient girls,

Today, as we gather to celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child 2025, we do so with immense pride and gratitude. We celebrate not only the girl child but also the remarkable journey of transformation that Nkumu Fed Fed has walked alongside her for close to three decades, a journey marked by hope, empowerment, and leadership.

A Legacy of Close to Three Decades of Impact

Twenty-nine years ago, Nkumu Fed Fed was born out of a vision, a vision to uplift women, protect children, and empower girls to dream beyond the limitations of their circumstances. Today, that vision stands firm and flourishing.

Through our Gender and Human Rights, Education, Health, Secure livelihood, and our GMC Vocational centre, we have:

-Fought tirelessly against trafficking in persons;

-Mentored thousands of young women through leadership and self-development initiatives;

-Advocated passionately for girls’ education and the elimination of harmful practices such as child marriage and gender-based violence;

-Supported displaced and vulnerable girls to pursue their education even amid crisis and displacement;

-Created safe spaces for girls to learn, heal, and raise their voices; and

-Inspired generations of young women to emerge as leaders in their homes, communities, and professions.

These accomplishments are not mere statistics; they represent lives transformed, dreams restored, and voices awakened.

Heartfelt Appreciation

I extend my deepest gratitude to the Nkumu Fed Fed Women’s Brigade, our tireless members across fifteen branches, our dedicated regional teams, mentors, and volunteers. Your sacrifices, outreach, and relentless advocacy in classrooms, health centers, markets, and community halls have kept our flame burning bright.

Your service is not just a duty; it is a legacy of love, leadership, and commitment to a better tomorrow.

Acknowledging Our Partners and Funders

Our journey of impact would not have been possible without the partnership, trust, and support of our invaluable allies. We sincerely thank:

UNICEF, for championing the rights and education of the girl child;

The European Union, for supporting women’s empowerment and governance programs;

UNFPA, for advancing adolescent girls’ sexual and reproductive health and rights;

UNDP, your action as a strategic partner, facilitator, and capacity builder, helps us to link community-level initiatives with national and global development goals.

The U.S. Embassy in Cameroon, for strengthening women’s leadership and advocacy; and

Vital Voices, for amplifying women’s capacity to lead and drive community change.

Your support has planted seeds of transformation that continue to bear fruit in classrooms, communities, and the hearts of young girls across Cameroon.

Facing the Realities of the Present

As we celebrate today, we must also acknowledge the challenging realities that many of our girls face. In the North West and South West Regions, conflict and instability continue to endanger the safety, dignity, and future of our daughters.

Too many are still exposed to violence, exploitation, early marriage, and trauma. Too many bear the heavy burdens of survival when they should be learning, laughing, and leading.

This moment calls upon us, as mothers, mentors, and advocates, to stand even stronger. To rise with compassion and courage, and to ensure that no girl is left behind, no dream silenced, and no potential wasted.

A Call to Renew Our Commitment

Let this year’s theme, “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead”, resonate deeply within us. Let it serve as a call to action for every girl to embrace her power, and for every one of us to nurture that power.