A supportive sisterhood creates education and leadership opportunities for girls in Mozambique

Girl MOVE Academy, based in Mozambique’s northern province of Nampula, creates intergenerational mentorship through interlinked programmes that protect against early marriage, early and unintended pregnancy and school dropout.

At the Academy’s heart are Girl MOVERS – 167 university graduates selected for their leadership potential, learning ability and integrity. 

Together with three university students, each Girl MOVER mentors a group of 30 adolescent girls transitioning from primary to secondary school. Amazingly, 85% of all beneficiaries have stayed in school, compared to 30% nationally. Only 2% have had an early pregnancy.

At the heart of Girl MOVE’s programme are Sisterhood Circles (Portuguese), informal groups where girls from the Academy share their stories, empower each other, and are encouraged to continue their studies and become change agents. All programmes use peer-to-peer learning, sports, and art to encourage girls to get involved in their communities. Around 40 new intergenerational impact circles mentor over 1,300 girls annually.