Girl empowerment

Building Knowledge. Restoring Dignity. Shaping Futures.

In the Busoga region—particularly in Mayuge District—teenage pregnancy remains a major challenge. With nearly 30% of girls becoming mothers before the age of 18, many are forced to drop out of school, ending their education and limiting their future opportunities. In 2020 alone, Mayuge recorded over 6,700 teenage pregnancies. Behind these numbers is a critical gap: most girls lack accurate information about their sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and many face shame and isolation when they begin menstruating.

Our Girls’ Empowerment Project is working to change that. We educate primary-school-aged girls about the dangers of early sexual activity and equip them with vital SRHR knowledge. Through school and community outreaches, we’ve reached over 450 girls in four primary schools. We also train girls to make reusable sanitary towels, helping them manage their menstruation with dignity and confidence, while reducing school absenteeism linked to lack of menstrual products.

Lack of SRHR awareness is one of the key drivers of teenage pregnancy and school dropout. Girls who are not informed are more vulnerable to exploitation and early motherhood. Our program addresses these challenges by combining education, practical skills, and community dialogue. We’re creating safer spaces for girls to learn, grow, and stay in school—empowered to make decisions that protect their health and shape their futures.