From 1-3 October 2025, I had the privilege of participating in the What Works in Girls’ Education conference in Kampala, Uganda, under the theme “Breaking Barriers, Building Futures: Evidence and Action for Girls’ Education”. As someone deeply passionate about girls’ education and women’s empowerment, the conference offered a unique space to engage in meaningful, evidence-based conversations about advancing gender equality in education.

I had the opportunity to work closely with the incredible team from the REAL Centre, co-conveners of the conference, whose commitment to research and collaboration made the experience both enriching and inspiring. One of my personal highlights was chairing some sessions at the conference, an experience that deepened my understanding of the issues being discussed while strengthening my confidence as a young academic. Volunteering as a note-taker at the conference also helped me to listen more intently and appreciate the diverse perspectives shared by participants.

The keynote address by Professor Pauline Rose, Director of the REAL Centre, particularly resonated with me, as she reflected on both the progress achieved and the persistent challenges we face with just five years left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. A striking point in her address is that despite the high cost of reaching marginalised girls, it is cost-effective to reach them, and this stayed with me as it speaks to my experience as a girl from a marginalised background.

Hearing from inspiring personalities such as Uganda’s Minister of State for Education and Sports, Hon. Dr Joyce Moriku Kaducu; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Sports, Dr Kedrace Turyagyenda; and other women who have attained significant heights despite the challenges they faced attests to the transformative power of education in breaking barriers for women and girls.

Beyond the sessions, immersing myself in Uganda’s vibrant culture and networking with scholars, researchers and other attendees from different parts of Africa and beyond made this experience truly unforgettable. I left the conference feeling re-energised and hopeful about the future of girls, especially marginalised ones. A quote from one of the presenters that stayed with me is “empowered women empower women”.

I am very grateful to the members of the REAL centre, especially my supervisor, Pauline Rose, for the opportunity to participate in this conference. My sincere appreciation also goes to the MasterCard Foundation who funded my MPhil in Education, Globalisation and International Development program at the University of Cambridge and is currently sponsoring my placement programme in Uganda. The Foundation’s commitment to investing in the education of women is commendable, and I am fortunate to have been one of the beneficiaries. Finally, I would like to thank my host organisation, Tusome Africa, which is committed to providing access to early childhood education for marginalised children in Uganda, for hosting me in Uganda. I say “mwebale nnyo”, thank you very much!