Learning Without Fear: Girls’ Education and the Fight Against Gender-Based Violence
When girls are in school, they are safer, healthier and better able to shape their own futures. Yet millions remain out of the classroom, and gender-based violence continues to be both a cause and a consequence of that exclusion. In this panel, Nabila Aguele, CEO of Malala Fund, and Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira, Rugby World Cup–winning former Springbok, explore how education can be one of our most powerful tools for preventing GBV. They’ll discuss how schools can become places of protection and empowerment, the role men and boys must play in challenging harmful norms, and how young leaders can help build a world where every girl can learn, lead and live free from violence.
Speakers
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John McCalla-LeacyChair, KPMG FoundationJohn McCalla-Leacy
Chair, KPMG Foundation
John McCalla-Leacy is Chair of KPMG Foundation, Board Member, Business Disability Forum, International Speaker, Strategic Adviser
John is a highly accomplished and visionary leader with over 25 years of experience at a Big Four firm, culminating in a global-level Partner and Vice Chairman role in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG).
A strong advocate for inclusion, diversity, and social equality, John is a seasoned thought leader and international keynote speaker known for driving rapid, complex, and large-scale transformation in technology, commercial and social spheres.
As Head of Global ESG and UK ESG Vice Chairman at KPMG, John owned the execution of KPMG’s global ESG strategy and oversaw the design, development, build and delivery of ESG solutions, products, AI tooling and services across 143 markets. He also held several senior UK, ASPAC regional and global leadership positions over 25 years.
John built a global ESG and Sustainability business which exceeded $1bn in revenues in record time and elevated external analyst recognition from non-existent to market leader. He created the ‘Blue Marble’ concept, transforming an astronaut’s-eye perspective into a visual narrative on sustainability that catalysed major ESG campaigns and achieved over 7 million initial views.
An internationally recognised thought leader, John has spoken at leading global forums including COP, Davos, ChangeNOW, GreenBiz and London and New York Climate Week. He is featured in the Empower Role Model List, the Powerlist and amongst the Top 50 most influential people in Sustainable Finance in the UK.
As Chair of KPMG Foundation, John supports young people in or on the edge of the care system in the UK, and Board Member of Business Disability Forum. He has also held senior inclusion and diversity roles with the UK Government, British Canoeing and the International Business and Diplomatic Exchange.
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Tendai MtawariraSouth African Rugby Star and Chairman Of The Beast FoundationTendai Mtawarira
South African Rugby Star and Chairman Of The Beast Foundation
Tendai ‘The Beast’ Mtawarira is an international Rugby legend. A veteran of the sport, he was a professional athlete for seventeen years. Tendai found a home for his strength and determination in the sport of rugby. The Zimbabwean born athlete caught the eye of coaches and scouts. His size and strength earned him the moniker ‘Beast’. He would go on the be the most capped player for the Sharks, the most capped springbok prop, a multiple winner in local and international leagues and earn the biggest prize in the sport, the 2019 Rugby World Cup trophy.
Tendai has chosen excellence and commitment throughout his whole life, he is married to Kuziva and they have two children, their daughter Talumba and son Wangu. The family includes two fairly famous pups Milo and Coco. Tendai deeply values family, has a strong network around him and encourages the contributions of diverse voices in his life. He shares his story and journey as a public speaker internationally.
Tendai is also a businessman, describing himself as a serial entrepreneur. He has most recently launched ‘The Beast Wines’ and is working hard to expand the brand worldwide. He has also worked hard to to improve his knowledge, he has completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management in 2019 and is determined to complete his MBA.
Tendai is a philanthropist, he established The Beast foundation in 2020 looking to make an impact on youth, their education and changing their impact on the future. The Beast Foundation is offering scholarships, mentoring youth and using sport to Unite, Build and Inspire Youth. Tendai was appointment as UNICEF Regional Ambassador to Eastern and Southern Africa in May 2022 and has traveled amplifying the plight of children and the need for education to support their futures.Tendai looks forward to a future that is filled with young leaders on the African Continent creating innovative solutions and living to leave a legacy.
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Nabila AgueleCEO, Malala FundNabila Aguele
CEO, Malala Fund
Nabila Aguele is Chief Executive Officer of Malala Fund, where she leads the organisation’s strategy to ensure all girls can access and complete 12 years of education, and choose their own futures. Prior to this, she served as Chief Executive, Nigeria, where she developed and led Malala Fund’s country strategy, overseeing operations and external affairs.
Nabila is a cross-sector leader with more than 20 years of experience spanning law, public policy, and international development across the U.S. and Nigeria. She is a gender equality advocate with deep expertise in sustainable development, using data-driven and narrative-based advocacy to drive policy change and shift societal norms.
She is a Non-Resident Fellow at the Center for Global Development and Senior Fellow with the African Center for Economic Transformation, and serves on the boards of Women for Women International, INSEAD, and Girl Rising.