At 21 years old, Yawa is already breaking barriers.
A history student at university in Guinea, she is the first person in her community to reach higher education. As the youngest of nine siblings, her journey has not always been easy. But through determination, support, and a belief in her own potential, Yawa is building a future that once seemed out of reach.
Today, she has a clear ambition: to become an international football referee.
Growing up, Yawa knew the value of education. She also understood the challenges that many children, especially girls, face in accessing it.
Through Plan International’s sponsorship programme, Yawa received support throughout her education, helping her stay in school and continue her studies. The opportunity opened doors not only to learning, but also to experiences that helped her build confidence and leadership skills.
One of those opportunities was becoming a presenter on Kids’ Voice, a children’s radio programme broadcast in her community.
The programme gave children a platform to speak about issues affecting their lives while raising awareness of children’s rights among parents, community leaders and local residents.
Through her role on the radio, Yawa developed communication skills and confidence while helping create positive change in her community.
While education was important to Yawa, another passion had always been close to her heart.
“I have always dreamt of becoming a professional football referee since I was a child,” she explains.
But pursuing that dream felt difficult.
Like many girls around the world, Yawa worried about how others would react. Football officiating is often viewed as a male-dominated field, and she feared criticism from family members, friends and her wider community.
“I was afraid of the reactions of my parents, friends, and community, as I am a girl,” she says.
Everything began to change when she joined Plan International’s Football Programme.
Designed to promote gender equality among young people, the programme combines practical football training with leadership development, personal growth and discussions about girls’ rights.
Participants learn refereeing techniques while also exploring topics such as confidence, leadership and gender equality.
For Yawa, the experience was transformative.
"I now have confidence in myself and am no longer afraid of what people think of me,"
Through the programme, Yawa discovered that her dreams were valid and achievable.
The training helped her build confidence in her abilities and challenge the stereotypes that had once held her back.
The programme also connected her with other young people who shared similar ambitions and experiences, reinforcing the message that girls have every right to participate and lead in all areas of life — including sport.
By creating opportunities for girls to develop skills and confidence, initiatives like these help challenge harmful gender norms and open new pathways for leadership.
Today, Yawa is focused on her studies while continuing to pursue her dream of becoming an international football referee.
She hopes her journey will inspire other girls to believe in themselves and pursue their ambitions, regardless of the barriers they may face.
“All that matters now is for me to work hard to become an international football referee,” she says.
Her story is a powerful reminder of what can happen when girls are given the opportunity to learn, lead and realise their potential.
From becoming the first university student in her community to stepping confidently onto the football field, Yawa is proving that girls can achieve extraordinary things when they are supported to follow their dreams.
And she is only just getting started.
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