Girls Rising

Girls Rising is an empowerment programme for teenage girls between 13 – 18 years which equips them with skills and competencies to enhance their self-confidence, to excel in their education and achieve optimal personal growth and development through interaction with female role models and mentors from their community.

The programme is anchored on the following pillars:

• Health
• Wellness
• Art and music
• Inspiring the girls to excel in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)

 

Problem Statement

Poor educational outcomes for girls in Migori are as a result of, among other things:
•Poverty, which manifests itself in lack of school fees, inadequate access to food, and lack of basic hygiene and sanitation kits.
• Teenage pregnancy and forced marriages.
• Cultural beliefs which often give boys preferential treatment compared to girls.
• Conflict at household level where girls are at risk of gender-based violence and sometimes displacement.

Target

The programme currently targets 25 girls between the age of 13 to 18 years within the catchment of Fahari Community Library in Kakrao, Migori County.

Programme Activities:

• Sensitization on the importance of good educational outcomes for girls in order to break the poverty cycle.
• Sensitization on bodily development and awareness among adolescent girls against the backdrop of reproductive health.
• Sensitization on sexual exploitation and abuse, with associated risks such as early pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.
• Nutrition education, including malnutrition and resultant nutrition related diseases.
• Provision of menstrual hygiene kits (sanitary pads) monthly for the girls.