A total of 14 female students of University of Rwanda College of Education (former KIE) were sworn in as committee members of the Girls’ Leaders Forum that was officially launched at the school this week.The Girls’ Leaders Forum was created in 2012 to curb the alarming problems of the girl child through encouraging girls develop self esteem and uphold the Rwandan traditional values.Ambassador Fatuma Ndangiza, the deputy chief executive officer of Rwanda Governance Board commended the school administration for empowering girls at the college through GLF and urged the committee members to act as role models in ensuring that  girls realise their potential."Be assertive, confident and say no to sex. Many girls get unwanted pregnancies because of ignorance and low self esteem. So be responsible, accountable and ready to serve because leadership is about integrity,” she said.She said empowering girls in good governance is a strong pillar in building the new Rwanda but needs focus and commitment."You should know what it means to be a girl and a leader. You should empower yourselves and be exemplary in whatever you do,” she addedGeorge Njoroge, the Principal, College of Education said female leaders must know that they are role models and grab the opportunities before them.Njoroge, however, highlighted the gap of women in the field of academia, which he said needs to be addressed.The president of the GLF committee at the College of Education, Justine Higiro, pledged to work with her committee to ensure that girls are empowered and become self-reliant.