THEMATIC AREAS

Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) is one of the most pressing issues affecting girls and young women in Turkana County. It significantly hinders their ability to grow, actively participate in their communities, and achieve their educational and economic aspirations.

• Advocacy and Awareness: WE FOR GIRLS is committed to raising awareness about SGBV, its devastating consequences, and its impact on the health, safety, and dignity of adolescent girls. Through education campaigns, community dialogue forums, and media outreach, we engage communities to challenge harmful cultural practices and dismantle deeply ingrained gender stereotypes that perpetuate violence.
• Empowerment and Prevention: By providing life skills training, self-defense workshops, and peer education programs, we empower young girls to safeguard themselves, understand their rights, and seek support when needed. These initiatives are critical in breaking the cycle of violence, fostering resilience, and equipping girls with the tools to lead safer and more empowered lives.

Access to comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) education and services is vital for empowering young girls to make informed decisions about their bodies, relationships, and futures. SRHR is a cornerstone of WE FOR GIRLS’ mission, as it directly influences the overall health and well-being of adolescent girls.

• Education and Awareness: WE FOR GIRLS provides age-appropriate SRHR education through workshops, seminars, and school-based programs. These initiatives help girls understand their sexual rights, contraceptive options, menstrual hygiene management, and the risks of early pregnancies and unsafe sexual practices. By equipping girls with this essential knowledge, we empower them to make informed choices and take charge of their reproductive health.
• Access to SRHR Services: A key focus of the SRHR program is ensuring that girls in Turkana County have access to adolescent-friendly health services. These include contraception, sexual health check-ups, HIV prevention, and menstrual hygiene products. WE FOR GIRLS partners with local healthcare providers to create safe, judgment-free spaces where girls can access these critical services.
• Gender-Responsive Health Policies: WE FOR GIRLS advocates for policy reforms to ensure all girls have access to quality SRHR services. We work closely with local and national health authorities to promote policies that address the unique health needs of adolescents, especially in rural areas where healthcare access is often limited.

Providing a comprehensive and accessible referral system is crucial to overcoming the multiple barriers young girls face in accessing essential services. WE FOR GIRLS has developed a robust system to connect girls with the support they need to overcome challenges and thrive.

• Healthcare Referrals: Girls in need of medical care due to issues such as sexual violence, early pregnancies, unsafe abortions, or maternal health complications are referred to trusted healthcare providers. This includes local clinics and hospitals that specialize in adolescent health, ensuring girls receive timely and appropriate care.
• Legal and Social Services Referrals: In cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), child marriage, or gender discrimination, WE FOR GIRLS supports girls in navigating the legal system by referring them to law enforcement, legal aid services, and counseling centers. These referrals ensure girls receive the assistance they need to assert their rights and seek justice.
• Education and Employment Referrals: Beyond health and legal services, WE FOR GIRLS connects girls with educational opportunities, such as scholarships and vocational training, as well as economic empowerment programs, including small business skills training and microfinance support. These referrals help increase girls’ independence and open doors for their future.