By Hindaty Touré
Every girl deserves the opportunity to dream big and build a future that excites her. Through the Girls Project at Mali Rising, we are committed to keeping girls in school and helping them explore career paths that align with their passions and aspirations. One of the ways we do this is by bringing accomplished women from various professions into classrooms to share their journeys and inspire young minds.
Learning from Role Models
This year, we had the privilege of welcoming midwives, a journalist, a secretary, and an accountant to speak with our students. Through their stories, these women showed what is possible with dedication, education, and perseverance. Their presence alone ignited a spark in many of the girls, helping them envision new possibilities for their own futures.
One student, 13-year-old Kandia Komokara, is a seventh-grader at Ross and Malilou Moser School in Nieguenkoro. A bright and cheerful young girl, Kandia had always dreamed of becoming a doctor but wasn’t sure which field of medicine to pursue. She had never been exposed to the different specialties available in healthcare… until now. Inspired by the midwives' visit, she realized her calling was to become a midwife herself.
"I loved seeing women professionals in their doctor’s coats. When they demonstrated how to take blood pressure, they used my arm. At first, I was scared because I thought the blood pressure monitor was absorbing my blood! Everyone laughed, but I really enjoyed the experience. Their visit helped me learn about different career options in medicine. Now, I know I want to be a midwife so I can help my village." – Kandia
13 year-old Kandia Komokara, a seventh-grader at Ross and Malilou Moser School in Nieguenkoro, participates in a blood pressure demonstration during a classroom visit from accomplished women professionals.
A Future with Purpose
For Kandia, this visit was more than just an educational experience, it was a turning point. In her village, there is only one midwife who must serve as a nurse, doctor, and healthcare provider all in one. Seeing this firsthand, Kandia realized the urgent need for more medical professionals in her community.
"One of my biggest concerns is that there is only one health center and only one midwife in my village. Because of this, many people simply don’t get the medical care they need. That’s why I want to become a doctor." – Kandia
Kandia’s new dream is not just about personal success: it’s about making a difference. She wants to contribute to the well-being of her village and ensure that no one is denied healthcare. She believes that education is key to creating a better future, not just for herself but for her entire community.
Investing in Girls’ Futures
Encouraging girls to engage in career exploration activities like this is crucial. When young girls hear firsthand from successful women, they gain the confidence and knowledge to set ambitious goals for themselves. By providing tangible information and real-life role models, we are investing in their futures and empowering them to carve their own paths to success.
Through continued mentorship and support, we can help more girls like Kandia stay in school, develop their career aspirations, and become the leaders their communities need. After all, when girls thrive, entire communities prosper.
