Mary Apollo, Founder Four Directions
The South Sudanese founder of Four Directions and the leader of this historic event Girls Education in Conflicts Areas 2025, Mary Apollo, has called on the African young girls and women that empowering women through education is a powerful tool for social transformation and personal growth. As an African woman who believes education is the key to unlocking the immense potential that lies within us, shaping not only the future of women but the entire African continent.
The leader made this advocacy in her speech during the launch of the side event 69th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW-69), which was attended by incredible leaders to engage in meaningful discussions on human rights and global gender equality.
“It brings me great pleasure to join billions around the world in celebrating International Women’s Day 2025, recognise their contribution and leadership, and the impact they have in their communities. We send our solidarity to women in refugee camps from Sudan to Mali to Nigeria who are fighting to improve their families and community’s quality of life.
“We are recognising global citizens who do outstanding work by supporting women’s empowerment both here locally and across the world. Thank you for being here with us today and all that you do to make the world a better place.”
“I started this initiative in 2024, believing in strengthening women in leadership by education and self-empowerment. I called young African women to share my vision of empowering women through education.
Together, we submitted a proposal to the Commission Status on Women for the United Nations here in New York. We proposed quality education for young women and girls and ensuring women in conflict areas have access to education and economic empowerment. We also insisted in our proposed plan to the Commission Status on Women at the UN that environmental health be taken into consideration for the well-being of women across the world.”
“My organisation, Four Directions, founded an initiative to sponsor young refugees’ women in the conflict area, Pagyrinya refugee camp in Northern Uganda, by giving them the financial sponsorship to go back to school. We paid their school fees, including registration fees, books, and uniforms. We also worked with our staff on the ground to facilitate all administrative processes so that the children would be officially enrolled and started in school. In addition to these actions, the Four Directions Foundation nurtures the child’s development by emphasising education as a basic human right and providing mentorship opportunities to young children in need. By partnering with or sponsoring our program, we can equip children with knowledge to be independent and the best leaders.” Mary said
“Growing up in South Sudan amidst chaos orchestrated by politicians and government officials, I discovered my passion for leadership at the age of 17. Despite struggles due to my gender and age, I persevered, working in media and organising young people. My journey led me to pursue education. In 2016, I applied for the Atlas Corps Emerging Leadership Fellowship, which brought me to the U.S. to develop skills for building an inclusive society.”
“Inspired by people who have shaped my personality, I founded Four Directions. This organisation aims to empower young people, especially vulnerable groups like youth, by providing evidence-based resources. Through initiatives like the Global Emergency Disaster Responder Network, we’ve mobilised youth globally to address critical issues such as COVID-19, climate change, and human rights violations.” She said
“Our platform continues to evolve, connecting with diverse groups of people, showcasing emerging and established leaders, and mobilising youth worldwide. In the last four years, we’ve collaborated with local and international NGOs, government agencies, and organisations like the United Nations, the State Department, the African Union, the World Bank, UNICEF, and many human rights organisations, such as where we are today, Youth for Human Rights, sponsored at no cost to us by the Church of Scientology New York.” She said
While appreciating the partners for their unflinching support, Mary Apollo expressed her sincere gratitude to Cornerstone Mount Group and Youth for Human Rights International for supporting us. This event would have been impossible without their support.
In our presentation today, you will also learn more about Youth for Human Rights International and why they partner with like-minded organisations like ours to empower children all over the world through knowledge of their human rights.
“As we are launching our Girls Education project today, let us celebrate those who go beyond their comfort zone and survived the refugee challenges, inspiring a new generation of leaders who change the stereotype and the negative scenario of a refugee. I encourage organisations to recognise and support emerging leaders genuinely representing young women, girls education, and refugees. Together, let’s dedicate ourselves to making the world a better place by focusing on children. Educating children, and especially girls, builds our new and prosperous civilisation.
We would like to give a special acknowledgement to the children who are now in school thanks to our combined efforts. And let us continue to support them and future children through our actions. We would like to especially thank the UN Assistant Secretary-General, our partners, and members worldwide. Let’s keep our dedication alive, working towards a brighter future for girl education in Africa. Thank you, and God bless you.
