On Friday, October 9, to mark International Day of the Girl Child, the USAID team was pleased to showcase the Thuthuzela rape management centers it supports to provide dignity and empowerment to rape survivors, many of whom are young girls.

Ambassador Gaspard and I learnt from our South African Government counterparts that rape survivors face immense challenges, but these centers are designed to restore their dignity and confidence in the health and justice systems.

As we engaged the staff at Mamelodi Thuthuzela last Friday we heard breaking news that Malala Yousafzai was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. This is a fitting acknowledgment to the rights and dignity of young women like Malala who took a bullet and demonstrated immense strength in the aftermath, to rise above an oppressive system that would deny her an education.

The U.S. Government is proud of the work we do, in South Africa and across the world, to promote education, justice and health to make a positive impact on the lives of young women. We salute Malala, and the young women of South Africa, who daily make the first step from being a victim to becoming a survivor.

Cheryl Anderson, Mission Director: USAID South Africa