A girl’s circumstances should not determine her future.

For Ainembaabazi Winnie, the work of empowering girls is not simply a career. It is deeply connected to where she comes from, what she witnessed growing up and the future she believes is possible for girls in rural Uganda.

Winnie grew up in Kihembe, Nyamigoye Parish, Kanungu District in Southwestern Uganda. Growing up in a rural community, she saw how poverty, limited opportunities and social expectations could shape girls’ futures.

Her own life journey strengthened her determination to create better opportunities for girls. At 16, Winnie escaped a forced marriage. Rather than allowing that experience to define the limits of her future, she became increasingly committed to helping girls access education, confidence, skills and supportive communities.

Winnie later studied Entrepreneurship and Project Planning at Uganda Christian University. In 2017, she founded Girl Power Foundation Uganda.

The organisation began with a simple belief: every girl is born with potential. But potential needs opportunity. Girls need safe spaces, education, mentorship, skills, confidence and communities that believe in them.

Today, Winnie leads an organisation working with girls, young women, families, schools and communities across rural Southwestern Uganda.