Yvonne Todihohawe knows what it’s like to face barriers. Growing up in a community where child marriage is common and girls’ education is often undervalued, she could have easily lost the chance to pursue her dreams. But through mentorship and support, Yvonne discovered her potential—and now she’s helping other girls do the same.

Today, Yvonne serves as a mentor with a VOW for Girls-supported program, empowering girls to stay in school, build leadership skills, and make informed choices about their futures.

“I didn’t understand the importance of education until I was empowered,” Yvonne shares. “Now, I want to be that source of hope for other girls.”

One of the greatest challenges she sees is the deep-rooted cultural tradition surrounding child marriage.

“Some parents think that once a girl reaches 15, they can marry her off and receive cows,” Yvonne explains.

In her community, cows are viewed as a symbol of wealth, making child marriage a longstanding practice passed down through generations.

But attitudes are beginning to shift. More families are recognizing the value of educating their daughters and investing in their futures—and mentors like Yvonne are helping lead that change.

“For me, this is beyond a job—it’s my passion,” she says. “Every girl deserves hope, education, and the opportunity to lead.”

By supporting community-led programs like this one, VOW for Girls is helping more girls stay in school, avoid early marriage, and create brighter futures for themselves and their communities.

💜 Join us in supporting girls like Yvonne and the next generation of leaders by donating to VOW for Girls today.

Set up a small, recurring donation. Just $10 can provide school supplies for one girl for a month—from paper and pencils to books and school clothes.