On April 15th, The Brilliant Feminine gathered at Mwangaza Muslim Secondary School for a day that was as much about healing as it was about power.

In many communities, topics like Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) are shrouded in silence. We went to Mwangaza to break that silence, replacing it with a dialogue that empowers young women to own their bodies, their safety, and their futures.

Expert Insights: Knowledge as a Shield

We were joined by prominent speakers who didn’t hold back. They shared harrowing truths about the devastating physical and psychological consequences of GBV and FGM. But they also shared a roadmap for change.

The goal was clear: to move these young women from a place of vulnerability to a place of informed advocacy. By understanding their rights and the impact of these practices, the students are now better equipped to be the generation that ends them.

Martial Arts: The Art of Empowerment

In a unique twist to the day’s advocacy, we moved from the classroom to the mat. The Brilliant Feminine introduced martial arts as a practical tool for empowerment.

Why martial arts?

  • Physical Safety: Teaching basic self-defense techniques to build confidence in one’s own physical capabilities.
  • Mental Discipline: Cultivating the focus and resilience needed to navigate difficult social environments.
  • Agency: Reinforcing the message that a woman’s body belongs to her, and she has the right—and the skill—to protect it.

A Community of Change

The energy at Mwangaza was electric. Seeing young women engage in critical dialogue one moment and practice a defensive stance the next was a powerful visual of what The Brilliant Feminine stands for: Sophistication backed by strength.

“Empowerment isn’t just a concept; it’s a practice. It’s the courage to speak up against tradition when it harms, and the strength to stand tall when you are challenged.”

What’s Next?

We believe that every girl who walked out of that hall is now a “Mwangaza” (a light) in her own community. We are committed to continuing these hard conversations and providing the tools—both mental and physical—to ensure our girls are safe and heard.