The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Young Women Breaking Barriers in Guyana
Written by EDYOU FM Staff on October 11, 2025
Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2011, each year on October 11, the world comes together to celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child. This day highlights the rights, strength, and potential of girls everywhere. It’s a reminder that when girls are given equal opportunities to learn, lead, and grow, entire societies will move forward.
This year’s theme, “The Girl I Am, the Change I Lead,” celebrates the power of girls’ leadership, especially those who are breaking boundaries, creating change, and inspiring others to dream big. Here in Guyana, two remarkable young women embody that spirit perfectly.
Rehaica Romain
From the Court to the Studio: RehaiciaRomain’s Journey
For Ms Rehaica Romain, basketball isn’t just a game; it’s a way of life. This 19-year-old is known for her time on The Bishops’ High School basketball team. Rehaicia has not only captained her peers with confidence but also earned her place on Guyana’s National Women’s Basketball Team for the 2025 Women’s Basketball Classic against Suriname.
But her ambitions don’t stop at sports. Recently, she graduated from the Music Production Incubator Program. Ms Romain is proving that girls can excel in more than just one passion.
“Basketball taught me discipline, teamwork, and consistency,” she shared. “It’s deeper than just playing the game; many lessons can be applied to life.”
For Rehaicia, family plays a significant role in her success, especially her mother, whom she calls her “number one motivation.” And while she continues to shine both on the court and in the studio, she hopes her journey inspires other young women to embrace every part of who they are.“Keep God at the centre of it all,” she advised. “Show up every day not to be perfect, but to be consistent. Believe in yourself and be the true you.”
Her next goals? To represent Guyana on an even bigger stage and one day pursue a degree in engineering. “Whatever appeals to me, I’ll try it,” she smiled. “You only have one life to live.”
Breann Ritchie
A Multifaceted Dreamer: Breann Ritchie’s Story
At just 15, Breann Ritchie or Bre, as she’s affectionately called, is already showing what it means to be a leader in action. She’s a student of North Georgetown Secondary School who excels in STEM and coding, and has already represented Guyana in basketball and swimming, making history as one of the youngest players on the University of Guyana Trojans basketball team at the age of thirteen.
Her drive began at home. Raised by a single mother, Brianne credits her mom for teaching her resilience and focus.“My mom
always says, ‘Good at everything, perfect at nothing.’ She pushed me to focus and reminded me not to give up,” Brianne said.
Her list of achievements is impressive, from defending her swimming titles to presenting a youth mental health and sports program at the National Conference. But beyond medals and accolades, she’s passionate about creating change.“Sports taught me selflessness and leadership,” she explained. “You learn to work with others, to guide, to stay humble. It shapes your character.”Breann also believes technology can open new doors for girls:“Technology is today’s world,” she said. “It gives girls career opportunities that were once male-dominated. It’s how we change things.”
As she balances her studies, athletics, and community work, Brianne also dreams of becoming a lawyer and politician, determined to make her voice count.“No dream is too big,” she said. “Never think something is impossible because you’re a girl. If you want something, get up and go after it.”
Empowering the Next Generation
Both Rehaicia’s and Breann’s journeys are powerful reflections of what International Day of the Girl Child stands for: courage, creativity, and leadership. They remind us that when girls are supported, mentored, and believed in, they rise to become forces of change in every field from sports and technology to art, academia, and beyond.
