I met UBO. At seven years old, Ubo worked as though she were an adult, cooking and cleaning. One day I decided to have a little chat with her.  I took her photograph and when I showed her the picture. She told me, “I didn’t know I was so beautiful.” She had never seen her own image. Her name, in our native language of Oromo means “beautiful.” I choked back my tears. That was the day I made the decision to do all I could to make sure that no girl would grow up without knowing how beautiful she is or having the opportunity to go to school. And especially, no girl would be a victim of gender based violence, being forced into marriage at an early age, premature childbirth and illiteracy. I wanted to give Ubo and girls like her the vibrant life of opportunity they deserve.”  Lily