“If you want to go fast, go alone, But, if you want to go far, go with others”
‘African Proverb’
A simple act of kindness can change a girl’s life forever. Just ask Bongai Mhloyi, affectionately known as “Ms. B, the founder of End Child Marriages, a 14-year-old non-profit with tremendous support from dynamic area women that is empowering vulnerable girls in Zimbabwe through education.
The money raised from events and other fundraising endeavors provides these girls with scholarships so that they can stay in school, instead of being forced into marriage at a young age, which, in turn, limits their opportunities.
One such event being organized by Mhloyi is the Hats & Pearls Women Empowerment Summit on Saturday, March 30, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Vendors can set up at noon, and the doors open at 1 p.m. The event is at the Exton Hotel & Conference Center, 815 N. Pottstown Pike, Building A, in Exton, Pennsylvania.
Each woman in attendance will receive notebooks/journals graciously purchased by Mhloyi from Denik, an innovative company that produces quality notebooks and other materials for brands, artists, and change-makers.
The idea is for the participants to use the journals to start mapping out their fabulous new future and unleash new passions. Mhloyi wanted to express her gratitude to the women who attended and supported her mission. Lori Diamond, of Lori Diamond Art, collaborated with Denik to create beautiful custom-designed journals for the event.
With many empowered female speakers at the program, the event “is designed to give participants the tools and resources they need to achieve their goals and become the best version of themselves,” Mhloyi explained.
“We want people to come to this event to have a good time, be inspired, motivated, and encouraged by women speaking on a range of topics,”´ Mhloyi said. We want them to leave our event feeling encouraged and uplifted by the speakers as well as raising money from the event for the girls in Zimbabwe.”
The formidable speakers include Cheldin Barlatt Rumer, Jodi Silverman, Debra Wallace, and Dr. Christine Martey Ochola.
Each of the speakers – formidable changemakers — has a motivational message that reinforces the theme of determination and empowerment that can change a life. They also know that early marriage has devastating consequences for a girl’s life because it effectively ends her childhood. They are forced into adulthood before they are physically or mentally prepared, and child brides are frequently deprived of their rights to health, education, and safety.
Diamond, the creative force behind her design company, is extremely excited about the upcoming event helping these amazing girls. “I love being able to help them from living a small life in a box and to help them follow their dreams. Bongai has lit a spark in me. I know how much energy she puts into this and I can proudly call her my hero.”
“Our organization thrives on collaboration. I am grateful that Lori is eager to become actively involved with End Child Marriages,” Mhloyi said. “Lori brings in positive energy which means a lot to me. I know that the women who come to our event will make a huge impact on the dreams of the girls and women in Zimbabwe.
The mission that is underway is to end child marriages and give the girls involved an opportunity to make choices about their lives. “We want to break the cycle of poverty,” she said. “We believe that no girl should be robbed of her childhood, education, and health.”
She added, “I am so proud that all of our hard work is paying off. I can look back and see that I served these girls; I gave them a voice. Not only are we helping individual girls, but once she is successful, she is going to make sure that her children, grandchildren, and extended family are all taken care of.”
To attend the event, please Register Here
To learn more about End Child Marriages Click Here