Basic Education, Unilever Dove and DBSA unite to build confident futures for Girls
Potchefstroom, North West – The Department of Basic Education (DBE), Unilever Dove and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) will mark the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child with a celebration of confidence, leadership and possibility at Die Wilge Special School on Monday, 12 October 2026.
The event will be attended and headlined by South Africa’s Minister of Basic Education, Ms Siviwe Gwarube, and Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Dr Makgabo Reginah Mhaule. It will bring together 240 learners, educators, partners and community stakeholders under the theme “Building Confident Leadership for Girls”.
At the heart of the programme is a shared belief: when girls feel confident in who they are, they are better equipped to use their voices, make informed choices and lead with purpose. The collaboration combines Dove’s long-standing commitment to building body confidence and self-esteem with DBE’s reach in schools and DBSA’s development expertise.
Through the Dove Self-Esteem Project, Dove helps young people build a positive relationship with their appearance and develop the confidence to reach their full potential. In South Africa, facilitator-led workshops are delivered in schools with educators and the Department of Basic Education, creating practical, supportive spaces where learners can challenge appearance pressures, strengthen self-worth and recognise their unique potential.
Ahead of the main event, school-based learner dialogues and Dove Self-Esteem Project workshops will take place from 6 to 9 October in Potchefstroom, reaching 1,000 learners. The sessions will encourage open conversation, build leadership and life skills, and connect learners with age-appropriate information and support.
The workshops recognise confidence and self-esteem as important foundations for resilience, wellbeing and participation. They also contribute to safer, more inclusive school environments by creating space for age-appropriate conversations about School-Related Gender-Based Violence (SRGBV), while helping girls feel respected, heard and able to realise their potential.
Observed annually on 11 October, the International Day of the Girl Child celebrates girls’ achievements and draws attention to the barriers that can limit their opportunities. This year’s local programme moves the conversation from awareness to action by creating spaces where learners can connect, learn and grow in confidence.
By combining trusted educational resources, school partnerships and development support, Dove, DBE and DBSA aim to extend the impact beyond a single commemorative event. The North West is the focus province for 2026, with the collaboration contributing to sustained school-based efforts that help young people build confidence and thrive.
Members of the media are invited to attend the 2026 International Day of a Girl Child
Commemorations as follows:
Date: Monday, 12 October 2026
Time: 10h00
Venue: Die Wilge Special School, 10 Rocher Street, Baillie Park, Potchefstroom, North West
#InternationaDayofAGirlChild / #GovZAUpdates / #EducationZA / #StopChildMarriages / #SRGBV
Enquiries:
Lukhanyo Vangqa: Media Liaison Officer – 066 302 1533
Terence Khala: Acting Director Communications – 081 758 1546
