by Brianna, Adolescent Girl Leader, Let Girls Learn Initiative (LGLI)
Walking into a room filled with women leaders, changemakers and people working to make a difference, I wondered what it would be like to be one of the youngest people there. Would people listen to what I had to say? Would my ideas matter?
By the end of the Female Wave of Change Global Summit 2026, I had a different answer: my voice matters, no matter how old I am.
Hello! My name is Brianna Tiffany. I am 11 years old and an Adolescent Girl Leader with the Let Girls Learn Initiative (LGLI).
Last month, I had the opportunity to attend the summit at Hill Park Hotel in Nairobi. My participation was supported by the Adolescent Girls Investment Plan (AGIP) through its Girl Advocacy Fund, which helps AGIP members create opportunities for girls to take part in advocacy spaces and important conversations. I am grateful for this opportunity because it gave me a chance to share my voice, learn from others and meet women who are working to make a difference.
What we discussed
At the summit, leaders talked about issues that affect girls and women, including keeping girls in school, ending violence against girls and women, supporting young mothers and women to start businesses, and making sure girls are included in decisions that affect their lives.
I learned that girls should be part of the conversations and decisions about their futures. Some of the ideas that stood out to me were:
- Decisions about girls should be made with girls, not just for them.
- When a girl gets an education, her family and community benefit too.
- Safe spaces help girls speak up and share their experiences without fear.
- When women are empowered, they can help lift their whole communities.
How the experience changed my thinking
Before attending the summit, I used to think that leadership was something only grown-ups could do. But seeing older women listen to me, take my ideas seriously and encourage me to speak changed how I think about leadership.
I realised that leadership is not about how old you are. It starts when you use your voice to help others and make a difference. I also learned that girls have ideas and experiences that should be included in conversations about the issues affecting them.
What I will take forward
I want to share what I learned with my friends, encourage other girls to stay in school and speak up, and continue supporting LGLI’s work as a voice for girls my age.
I am thankful to LGLI and AGIP for making this opportunity possible through the Girl Advocacy Fund. I hope more girls get opportunities to attend spaces like this, share their ideas and show that we have something important to contribute.
Together, we are the wave of change!