Source: Namibia Economist
The importance of empowering girls from a very young age was again emphasised at the Southern Girls Conference which was held from 26 to 30 April.

The conference, which was hosted by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare's Hardap Regional Office, raised awareness on appropriate relationships, gender roles, HIV/AIDS and leadership.

The conference was attended by 50 female students from the Hardap and Karas regions. The Ministry once again highlighted its aim to continue developing the girls' support network through self-esteem building, development of good decision-making skills and promotion of goal setting and career aspirations.

In this regard, the conference helped participants to develop action plans for the establishment and operation of girl clubs and mini-conferences, which will contribute towards the existing curricular and extramural life skills programmes in their schools and communities.

• Namibia