Flora: Championing girls’ right to education
At just 18, Flora is a powerful youth advocate in Mozambique, breaking down harmful social norms and inspiring other girls to reclaim their right to education and a brighter future.
In her rural home, 18-year-old Flora is making a lasting impact. A 10th-grade student at the local school, she is not only focused on her own education—she’s a passionate advocate for the rights of girls in her community.
Taking action, inspiring change
It all began when she learned about a young girl in her village who had dropped out of school due to an unplanned pregnancy. Refusing to let this be the end of the girl’s story, Flora stepped in. She engaged the girl and her family in open conversations, helping them understand the value of education and the possibilities it could unlock.
“I saw this as an injustice and decided to act,” says Flora.
The reality in her community is a difficult one for girls, with teenage pregnancy forcing many of them to leave school, cutting short their education and limiting their future opportunities. These young mothers are frequently met with stigma and lack the support needed to return to school.
“I was determined to ensure that this girl did not miss out on her chance at a better future,”
“I saw this as an injustice and decided to act.”
Flora, 18
This became her breakthrough and so when ‘Break Free’ – a youth-led initiative focused on promoting girls’ rights and access to education – visited their school, Flora was among the first to join. She soon after became a peer educator and advocate, using her voice to further raise awareness on the importance of keeping girls in school. Thanks to her training, she continues to speak to girls and families about the importance of education.
“Education is a fundamental right, and I will continue to fight for all girls in my community to access inclusive, safe, and quality education.”
Flora’s story is a powerful example of youth-led change. With the knowledge and confidence gained through the Break Free project, she is breaking down cultural barriers and inspiring others to stand up for girls’ rights. Her courage and leadership continue to spark hope and transformation in her community and beyond.
About the project
Break Free is a gender transformative project aimed at empowering adolescent girls to exercise their right to live free from child marriage and teenage pregnancies supported by civil society.
The project is being implemented in 9 African countries since January 2021.
In Mozambique the project is implemented in Mogovolas District, in a context where promoting gender equality and comprehensive sexual education is a major challenge.
Break Free’s success lies in its holistic approach—engaging not only youth, but also parents, teachers, religious leaders, and local authorities. It challenges deep-rooted gender norms and creates safe spaces for dialogue and learning.
Through initiatives like the Champion of Change model, community dialogues, and youth-led advocacy, the project is building a generation of informed, confident, and empowered young people.
Project in numbers
- 14,674 adolescents (8,020 girls and 6,654 boys) have received SRHR education.
- School dropout rates due to child marriage dropped from 12.3% to 5.8%, and due to teenage pregnancy from 20.6% to 4.6%.
- Community leaders and parents are now actively supporting girls’ reintegration into school.
- Girls’ school enrollment has increased, and more girls are accessing long-term contraceptive methods and SRHR services.
Categories: Education, Sexual and reproductive health and rights
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