In the vibrant district of Adjumani, a powerful event unfolded that brought together communities, institutions, and changemakers in a shared commitment to uplift and protect the girl child. Running for the Dignity of the Girl Child was not merely a physical race—it was a symbolic and strategic movement that united vulnerable populations, school-aged girls, government officials, and nonprofit organizations in a collective stride toward justice, visibility, and empowerment. The event served as a public affirmation that every girl deserves to live free from violence, discrimination, and silence—and that her dignity is not negotiable.
Among the key participants was Humanity Touch, whose presence and programming added depth and resonance to the event’s purpose. With a vision of building a just, peaceful, and inclusive society where women, girls, and marginalized communities thrive, Humanity Touch used the platform to amplify its mission: advancing gender justice, safeguarding rights, and promoting eco-inclusive livelihoods. The organization engaged attendees through interactive sessions, storytelling, and community dialogue, highlighting its work in displacement-affected communities where girls face heightened risks of gender-based violence, early marriage, and educational exclusion. Humanity Touch’s team showcased their integrated approach—combining trauma-informed support, leadership development, and rights-based advocacy—to ensure that girls are not only protected but empowered to lead transformative change.
The run itself was a vibrant display of solidarity. Vulnerable persons, including survivors of GBV, adolescent girls, and youth from host and refugee communities, participated alongside district officials, school representatives, and nonprofit leaders. Their presence underscored the urgency of the cause and the power of inclusive mobilization. Government officials from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, as well as local council leaders, reaffirmed their commitment to advancing policies that protect girls and promote gender equality. Nonprofit institutions working in education, health, and child protection joined forces to share resources, build partnerships, and align efforts toward a common goal.
Throughout the day, the event featured speeches, performances, and exhibitions that celebrated resilience and called for action. Girls shared personal stories of overcoming adversity through access to safe spaces and mentorship, many of them beneficiaries of Humanity Touch’s Feminist Leadership Academy and Safe Spaces Project. These testimonies served as powerful reminders that when girls are given the tools to lead, they become catalysts for change in their families, schools, and communities.
In addition to awareness-raising, the event also served as a fundraising and advocacy platform. Humanity Touch launched a call to action for increased investment in community-based protection services, vocational training for girls, and digital access to rights education. The organization emphasized the need for more trauma-informed centers, solar-powered learning hubs, and inclusive governance structures that reflect the voices of girls and women. Stakeholders were invited to commit resources, share expertise, and co-create solutions that address the root causes of gender inequality and violence.
Running for the Dignity of the Girl Child was more than a moment—it was a movement. It reaffirmed that dignity is not a privilege but a right, and that every step taken in solidarity brings us closer to a society where girls are safe, heard, and free to shape their futures. Humanity Touch continues to lead this charge, ensuring that the momentum built in Adjumani translates into lasting impact across Uganda and beyond.
