The Super Girls Revolution (SGR) is a weekly program providing a safe space for teen girls in high-density Lusaka townships. We had the pleasure of interviewing Magdalene Chikanya, the survivor leader behind this program, to discuss how SGR, a powerful example of survivor-led transformation, is empowering adolescent girls to rise above cycles of violence and poverty to become the architects of a future free from sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
what moment inspired you to move from being a scholar to becoming a program leader?
After graduating from university, I realized that the sky was the limit for my dreams and what I could attain. I understood the vast capacity I had within myself to bring about change.
The realization that I should start Super Girls Revolution (SGR) came through my own story: I gained a new understanding of my own pain and saw it reflected in others. Recognizing the profound lack of mentorship in my life spurred me to act. As a survivor of sexual violence, I started SGR in my mother’s backyard because the need to ensure girls were supported through mentorship, education, and empowerment was so urgent. My dream was always consistent: to mentor girls to take up space and be leaders, allowing every light in the community to shine.
SGR was established to confront critical issues in Lusaka townships like Kalingalinga and Mtendere, communities facing rampant sexual violence, poverty, and child marriage. I designed SGR to prevent the influx of these issues and provide girls with a safe space to discuss topics that matter and find hope beyond what they can see.
How does this survivor-led model offer a more powerful pathway to healing and justice?
Our approach is powerful because we first establish a safe place for girls to just be themselves, treated as equals. We prioritize storytelling. Sharing stories of pain, triumph, and trauma to create a common healing and light. We equip girls with knowledge of their rights, giving them the confidence to fight against harmful cultural norms of forced prostitution and early marriage.
What has been the most fulfilling aspect of mentoring the next generation of leaders?
The most fulfilling aspect has been raising leaders. The program’s growth from just 5 participants in 2017 to over 200 girls by 2024 demonstrates its profound impact, with many graduates now serving as leaders and advocates in their communities. It started with just me as the leader, but now we have 13 leaders whom I mentored. Many of our leaders are girls from the Arise scholarship program, and seeing these leaders step into their roles, equip other girls, and do the hard work of creating pathways that allow them to shine has been deeply inspiring.
What is the cirriculum outline of the program?
SGR is a weekly program focused on holistic development:
- Safe Space & Story Sharing: Providing healing and hope.
- Sexual Health & Violence Prevention: Supporting future decision-making, sexual violence prevention, and safety.
- Rights and Advocacy: Educating girls on their rights to fight cultural norms.
- Leadership Development: Practicing skills by contributing to SGR as a leader, facilitator, speaker, or program planner.
- Mentorship: Offering one-on-one guidance and family counseling.
- Personal Development: Discussing trauma healing, substance abuse, and career development.
Through SGR, we build strong relationships with the community as we mentor girls, expand their mindset, and empower their leadership. This program has made excellent candidates for our Holistic Education scholarship program serving survivors of sexual abuse. When we expanded scholarships in Zambia in 2020, we accepted 14 girls from SGR. Our Holistic Education program is pulling girls from an environment where over 74% of attendees are out of school due to lack of financial support. Through SGR, we’re unable to understand and directly address the unique needs of girls in Zambia.
How does this survivor-led expansion bring us closer to realizing a "World Without SGBV"?
Our vision is to see a generation of young women build a world free of sexual violence. We use a “one reach one” model, where equipped girls teach others how to prevent violence and where to report it, expanding light and safety across their communities.
SGR is one of many Freely in Hope programs that prove how survivor-led expansion brings us closer to realizing a world without sexual and gender-based violence. When survivors lead, when girls are equipped with knowledge and voice and confidence, they don’t just change their own lives; they become the teachers, the advocates, the leaders who transform entire communities.
What should people supporting SGR know about the power of investing in survivor leadership?
Every time you invest in a girl’s leadership, you’re not just changing one life, you’re lighting a fire that will spread far beyond what you can see. Your support helps them to be the architects of the change they want to see, creating a sun of transformation and safety for generations to come.
“This is how survivor-led expansion brings us closer to realizing a world without sexual and gender-based violence. When survivors lead, when girls are equipped with knowledge and voice and confidence, they don’t just change their own lives, they become the teachers, the advocates, the leaders who transform entire communities.”
Magdalene Chikanya, Freely in Hope Alumni
MAGDALENE CHIKANYA
Child Protection Coordinator
If you want to work with Freely in Hope to provide a child abuse prevention training for adults or a body safety workshop for children. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, social worker, or children’s ministry leader, we can create a program that best fits your community’s needs. Contact us today!
