Empowering Women: Mahalia Somedjo – Bridging the Path to Progress

As the coordinator of the Education & Training department, she plays a pivotal role in promoting sexual and reproductive health within the community. Her work brings her into contact with diverse groups, including men, women, couples, and youth.

For over 20 years, Mahalia Breidel has been instrumental in implementing impactful initiatives in Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) through the Lobi Foundation, contributing to informed decision-making regarding sexual and reproductive health. Several of these initiatives have been executed in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in recent years. Last year, multiple Out-of-School CSE training sessions were conducted, reaching approximately 102 individuals, including adolescent mothers and fathers, parents and caregivers, and teachers. With UNFPA's support, Mahalia has been able to contribute to the development of youth and women, accelerating the pace of progress.

Mahalia strongly believes in the importance of investing in women, aligning with this year's theme of the UN 68th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW 68): "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress." For her, it's evident that the well-being of women is closely linked to the strength and stability of society. She emphasizes that women play a crucial role in families and communities, highlighting the essential need to invest in them to achieve sustainable progress.

One of the greatest challenges Mahalia sees in investing in young mothers is addressing structural barriers that hinder them from realizing their full potential. Poverty, violence, and a lack of knowledge about sexual and reproductive health persist as obstacles that need to be overcome. Moreover, there's a cultural stigma discouraging women from pursuing higher ambitions.

Nevertheless, Mahalia remains optimistic about the positive developments that can arise from investing in women and girls. She believes that breaking the cycle of dependency and promoting female leadership will not only benefit individuals but also strengthen the entire community. For her, a female president is not a utopia but an achievable goal worth pursuing.

As an advocate for gender equality and empowerment, Mahalia continues her mission to support and inspire women and girls to reach their full potential. Her dedication and determination are a source of inspiration for many, and her vision of a just and inclusive society continues to guide her work at the Lobi Health Center Foundation.