Jun 18, 2023

Mentoring programme behind a new wave of young female climate advocates in South Africa

Black Girls Rising is a non-income organization that turned into established in 2021 with the purpose of empowering girls among a long time of 12 and 18 to come to be leaders in weather action within their communities. The employer in particular objectives women from disadvantaged backgrounds, spotting the importance of addressing the intersectional demanding situations faced by these ladies, inclusive of gender inequality and social and monetary disparities.

The primary objective of Black Girls Rising is to equip those girls with the important abilities, understanding, and support to cope with climate exchange efficaciously. By imparting complete education and mentorship, the organization aims to foster a feeling of company and empowerment of the various ladies, permitting them to take an energetic position in driving fantastic environmental change.

Through its Rising in Leadership Fellowship software, Black Girls Rising gives a based curriculum that encompasses numerous factors of the climate movement and management development. The program includes more than one range, every one designed to build upon the women's expertise and talents as they progress.

At the preliminary levels, the focus is on self-improvement and network cognizance. The ladies are taught a way to alter their feelings, manage trauma, and advantage of a deeper knowledge of their groups and the particular environmentally demanding situations they face. This level emphasizes personal increase and self-awareness, laying the inspiration for their destiny management roles.

**Yola Mgogwana: From Mentee to Influential Voice in the Climate Movement**

Yola Mgogwana is one of the young girls mentored by Xoli Fuyani, the founder of Black Girls Rising. Through Fuyani's guidance, Mgogwana gained confidence and delivered her first public speech in 2019 at Cape Town's first-ever climate march. Her powerful speech made her a recognizable face in South Africa's climate movement, and she has since become one of its most influential voices.

**The Impact of Climate Change on Vulnerable Groups, Particularly Women**

Climate change affects vulnerable groups differently, with women being disproportionately impacted. According to the 2023 Afrobarometer survey on climate change awareness in South Africa, less than half of women are aware of climate change compared to 53% of men. Recognizing this disparity, Black Girls Rising focuses on empowering girls and women to create a more inclusive and resilient approach to addressing climate change.

**The Rising in Leadership Fellowship: Empowering Girls from Disadvantaged Backgrounds**

Black Girls Rising offers a Rising in Leadership Fellowship program to girls from disadvantaged backgrounds. Currently, there are 30 girls in the fellowship, receiving practical skills and knowledge to lead climate action in their communities. The fellowship aims to create a more diverse and inclusive climate movement by empowering girls who may face additional barriers due to their backgrounds.

** A Five-Part Training Model for the Fellowship**

The fellowship program developed by Xoli Fuyani follows a five-part training model. The first stage focuses on self-development, teaching girls how to self-regulate, handle trauma, and understand their communities. As the girls progress, they receive training in leadership, advocacy, and campaign development, allowing them to take action on their interests and concerns related to climate change.

**Practical Campaigns: Taking Action in Communities**

At levels three and four of the fellowship, the girls have the autonomy to lead campaigns based on their interests. These campaigns may focus on clean air, water systems, period poverty, or food security. The girls are encouraged to recruit other young girls to support their campaigns and collaborate with relevant organizations in their areas of interest. This approach ensures that the campaigns are not just theoretical but have a tangible impact on their communities.

**The Importance of Arts and Self-Expression in the Fellowship**

Black Girls Rising believes in the power of arts as a tool for transformation and healing. The fellowship program incorporates arts-based practices such as dancing, singing, drawing, craft making, yoga, and mindfulness activities. These activities provide the girls with an opportunity to express themselves, relax, and connect with their inner selves. Black Girls Rising aims to create a space where girls can be themselves and enjoy their childhood while also becoming young changemakers.

**Accommodating Older Girls: Tailoring the Program to Individual Needs**

While the fellowship program primarily targets girls between the ages of 12 and 13, Black Girls Rising accommodates highly motivated older girls who demonstrate maturity and leadership potential. This flexibility allows older girls, like 16-year-old Lithalomso Chulayo, to join the program and benefit from the training. By expanding the age group, the organization aims to provide more opportunities for younger girls in the climate space.

**Female Education as a Sustainable Solution to Climate Change**

Project Drawdown, a renowned database of climate solutions, ranks female education as the sixth most effective sustainable solution to address climate change. By prioritizing the education and empowerment of girls, Black Girls Rising contributes to building a more resilient and sustainable future. Through the fellowship program, girls gain knowledge, skills, and confidence, enabling them to become leaders and changemakers in their communities.

**Expanding Advocacy Beyond the Grassroots Level: Partnering with Organizations**

In the final stage of the fellowship, the girls are matched with organizations to expand their advocacy efforts beyond the grassroots level. This allows them to collaborate with established entities and amplify their impact. Some girls have been selected for prestigious programs like the Ashoka Young Changemaker program, while others, like Yola Mgogwana, have become young advisors for organizations aligned with their interests and aspirations.

**Success Stories: Ashoka Young Changemaker Program and Young Advisors**

The fellowship program has produced success stories, including girls selected for the Ashoka Young Changemaker program. This recognition highlights the impact and potential of the girls' climate action efforts. Additionally, Yola Mgogwana's journey from mentee to a young advisor with Child Rights International Network (CRIN) showcases the transformative power of Black Girls Rising's mentorship and training. Mgogwana is now pursuing her dream of becoming an environmental lawyer.

** Conclusion: Empowering Girls for a Resilient and Inclusive Climate Future**

Black Girls Rising's Rising in Leadership Fellowship program plays a crucial role in empowering girls from disadvantaged backgrounds to become leaders in climate action. By equipping them with practical skills, knowledge, and a supportive community, the organization aims to create a more inclusive and resilient foundation for addressing climate change. The success and influence of program alumni, such as Yola Mgogwana, demonstrate the potential of girls to make a significant impact in their communities and beyond.