In Yumbe District, Uganda, a festival has provided a platform for schoolgirls to speak out about their experiences with gender-based violence (GBV) and child marriage. Sixteen-year-old Ayola Susan, a primary six student at Yumbe Primary School, is among those sharing firsthand accounts of domestic violence witnessed and experienced at home. The festival, dubbed “Brave Girls Festival,” aims to break the silence surrounding these sensitive issues prevalent in the Yumbe region. Many girls, like Susan, previously led seemingly normal lives in Yumbe, but faced troubling changes within their families. The initiative seeks to empower these young women and provide a safe space for them to share their stories. The event highlights the urgent need for interventions to protect girls in Yumbe District from harmful practices and ensure their well-being.