Rise Up
Girls Voices Initiative (GVI)
In Kenya, girls are disproportionately affected by harmful cultural practices, such as child marriage and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). FGM is prevalent in Kajiado County with 46% of girls aged 15-19 years reporting that they have undergone FGM. This is four times higher than the national level (11.4%) (KDHS, 2014). FGM is closely tied to child marriage, teenage pregnancies, and high dropout rates for girls in schools in Kenya.
PROJECT DESIGN
The project aimed at equipping girl leaders from Kajiado West sub-county, who have gone through sexuality education, with additional skills in public speaking and decision-maker education. The project created spaces at the local, county and national level for these girls to amplify their voices and fight for girls' rights.
recipients
The primary beneficiaries were adolescent girls aged 10-15 in Kajiado West Sub-County
Impact
The 43 GVI empowered girl leaders mobilized 250 girls in Kajiado West Sub County, advocating against FGM and child marriage. They conducted radio advocacy reaching 500,000 people, sparking public discussions on ending harmful practices. Advocacy meetings with 60 officials from ministries and religious leaders led to better coordination, inclusion of girl leaders in decision-making, policy processes and commitment to SRHR education and care centers for pregnant girls. https://youtu.be/AE8kQA-VrIM?si=FeNRupv6VgdcVxRd