Support Education for Girls Affected by COVID-19

The statistics of 1 out of every woman being physically or sexually abused in their lifetime are alarming. Yet with the COVID-19 pandemic, this number was even greater in many parts of the world and in the communities we serve. Even though the world is adjusting to a 'new normal, the impact of this pandemic especially in éxercabating gender inequalities is still being felt.

In our communities, many girls dropped out of school, and we saw an increase in teenage pregnancies and cases of sexual violence. For many of these girls, normal no longer exists. Yet we have seen their resilience and courage in choosing to believe in the hope for a better future. We partnered with Ujamaa Africa to train 100 girls with verbal and physical skills that they can use to protect themselves and their friends from abuse.

The full-day event dabbed 'Fight Like a Girl' equipped the girls with information and skills that would help them to scan their environment, de-escalate potential situations of abuse and defend themselves where need be. We are grateful that we could do this and we believe that the skills will help keep the girls safe and reduce cases of sexual abuse.