As we reflect on the first quarter of our project on ending child marriages and teenage pregnancies, we are excited to share the remarkable progress we have made in empowering girls and transforming communities. Our initiatives have not only addressed pressing issues like child marriage and teenage pregnancies but have also fostered a culture of education and advocacy among community members. Here’s a closer look at our achievements and the inspiring stories that have emerged from our work.
Training Change Agents for Effective Advocacy
One of our key activities this quarter was the training of Change Agent Groups (GLACs and GLAC-SGs) on data gathering and documentation. We successfully conducted a one-day intensive training session that equipped 36 girls, 24 boys, and 32 parents with essential strategies for accurate data collection. Participants reported a significant increase in their confidence to document cases of sexual abuse and child marriages in their communities. A notable success story emerged from this training: a defilement case was reported to the police by the parents of the victim, leading to the apprehension of the perpetrator. This case is currently being handled at the magistrate court in Buliisa district, showcasing the tangible impact of our training on community safety and justice.
Raising Awareness through Media Engagement
In our efforts to mobilize community support, we organized a media conference commemorating the International Day of the Girl Child. The event, held in Hoima city, attracted 10 civil society organizations and key district stakeholders. The powerful message, “Empowering Girls, Transforming Communities,” resonated widely, with the conference broadcasted on several
local media outlets, including Bunyoro Urban TV and NBS. This conference not only raised awareness about the urgent need to end child marriage but also fostered collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including local leaders who pledged to work alongside us in this critical mission.
Community Sensitization on Bye-Laws
We have made significant strides in raising awareness about the newly enacted bye-law aimed at preventing child marriage and teenage pregnancies in Ngwedo sub county Buliisa district. Out of the planned 16 sensitization sessions, we successfully conducted 8 sessions, engaging 230 community stakeholders directly and impacting approximately 460 community members indirectly. Community members expressed overwhelming support for the bye law, with 80% pledging to uphold its enforcement. This initiative has sparked a renewed commitment among local leaders to advocate for children’s rights, resulting in stronger collaboration among organizations dedicated to child protection.
Inspiring Change through the Girls National Summit
Building on the momentum from our media conference, we partnered with Girl Not Brides Uganda to host the Mid
Western Girls National Summit. The Girl Leaders and Ambassadors of Change (GLACs) presented impactful drama skits and a powerful poem, which highlighted the challenges faced by girls, such as child marriage and teenage pregnancies This event provided a platform for our Girl Leaders and Ambassadors of Change (GLACs) to share their stories and advocate for girls’ rights. One standout participant, Refine, delivered a compelling position paper on “Fostering Lifelong Opportunities for Girls,” sharing her personal journey of resilience and empowerment. Refine’s story is a testament to the transformative power of education and advocacy. Her visibility as a guest speaker sparked important conversations among leaders and peers, emphasizing the need to educate and empower girls in our communities.
Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience
Our team has remained committed to our mission. We have implemented strategies to address educational disruptions and the relocation of GLACs, ensuring that our initiatives continue to thrive. Our door-to-door outreach approach, facilitated by paired parents, has proven effective in identifying at-risk girls and encouraging families to prioritize education. Additionally, we established a Child Rights Monitoring Committee to oversee the implementation of child rights within the community, conducting home visits to support children who are not in school.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward, we remain dedicated to our mission of empowering girls and transforming communities. The progress we have made in the first quarter is just the beginning. We invite you to join us in this vital work your support can help us expand our initiatives, reach more girls, and create lasting change in Uganda. Together, we can foster a future where every girl has the opportunity to dream big, thrive, and become a leader in her community. Thank you for being part of this journey with us!