We love to see it: 14-Year-Old Tapiwa Aisha Magureyi is using social media as a force for good
At just 14 years old, Tapiwa Aisha Magureyi is already using her voice and her social media platforms to speak for children across the continent. A participant in the Trust's Pan African Adolescent Girls' Movement and an Adolescent Advisory Board Member with Womandla Foundation's Feminist-Girl Child Empowerment initiative, Tapiwa turned a recent LinkedIn post into a powerful reflection on leadership, visibility, and hope.
She recently attended the 10th International Policy Conference on the African Child hosted by the African Child Policy Forum (ACPF), a trip she was able to make with the support of the Graça Machel Trust through the Pan African Adolescent Girls' Movement. There she addressed/spoke at [insert name of session and quote from what she said there]. After the event she reflected on her experience on LinkedIn: "I am honoured to share with you my recent experience representing the Graça Machel Trust and WoMandla Foundation on a trip to Ethiopia during the 10th International Policy Conference on the African Child, hosted by ACPF. It was an unforgettable journey that not only deepened my understanding of this beautiful country but also reinforced my commitment to creating positive change." She wrote:
"During my visit, I had the privilege of participating in the IPC (Investment Promotion Conference) presentation. It was a platform for us to discuss innovative strategies for economic growth and development. But what resonated with me the most was the call to action that followed. We engaged with brilliant students, passionate activists, and dedicated leaders who are working tirelessly to address the pressing issues of our time. We discussed ways to amplify their voices, support their efforts, and empower them to become the change-makers of tomorrow and I was thrilled to contribute to the conversation and being selected to give the closing Call to action representing the voices of All African Children. *Proud moment for a rural girl*"
Tapiwa also uses her LinkedIn post to speak directly to other young people: "To the students, I want to say that your energy, creativity, and passion are the driving forces behind the change we seek. Never underestimate the power of your ideas, your activism, and your commitment to creating a better world. Keep pushing boundaries, challenging the status quo, and striving for excellence."
She closes with a promise rooted in her own story and community: "As we move forward, let us continue to inspire, motivate, and support one another. I am looking forward to ensuring the voices of girls, especially from rural and underserved communities like Zvishavane, Mberengwa, and Shurugwi, are heard!"
By sharing this experience on her LinkedIn page, in her own words and on her own terms, Tapiwa is showing how a young girl from rural Zimbabwe can use social media as a positive force. She is turning a personal milestone into a public call for inclusion, visibility, and leadership for girls in Africa.
Amen's perspective shifts the conversation on girls' safety and climate justice
When 16-year-old Amen from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, was selected to attend a pan-African summit on gender equality and leadership in Cape Town, South Africa, it marked more than a personal milestone. It reflected a broader shift in how adolescent girls are participating in shaping Africa's future.
As a participant in the Pan-African Adolescent Girls' Movement, Amen was invited to participate in [add session she was part of, spoke at] check if there's a quote on socials, if yes, use it.
Earlier this year, Amen joined adolescent girls from different parts of the continent at the Nalafem Summit, in Freetown - Sierra Leone a platform designed to shift the power of funding and political influence toward young feminists. During the I Am Nala spotlight session, Amen shared her perspective on girls' safety and the need to centre adolescent voices in discussions on climate change. Her remarks stood out for their grounding, clarity, and firm rootedness in lived experience.
"We live with the consequences of decisions we didn't make," Amen shared. "If we are not part of the dialogue, solutions will continue to miss us."
The event was attended by leaders from across the continent, including former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr. Amen's participation was not symbolic; it was substantive. She offered practical insights into the intersection of gender and climate, a daily reality for many African girls whose safety, health, and economic opportunities are increasingly shaped by environmental change.
Since returning home, Amen has launched a peer learning group at her school, where she facilitates discussions on leadership, climate awareness, and girls' rights. Her initiative has reached more than 50 girls in three months and has sparked the formation of a broader student-led advocacy circle.
Amen's story shows how investing in adolescent girls can support leaders who find their voice and use it to shift narratives and influence decision-making at every level.
