Sacred Valley Health's (SVH) Adolescent Girls Empowerment Initiative (AGEI) will offer a health education and leadership development program to adolescent girls in rural Peru. Small groups of girls will meet weekly at local schools and participate in educational, team-building, and leadership training activities.
In the high altitude communities of Peru, being both female and indigenous elevates instances of oppression, disadvantage, and discrimination. Members of these communities also face geographic and cultural isolation, limiting access to healthcare and increasing the likelihood of poor health. Adolescent women exposed to these disparities during a time when behaviors, gender roles, and norms are internalized are particularly vulnerable to adverse future outcomes.
The AGEI will support the development of female leaders, who will have the tools to effectively navigate womanhood in a setting that offers few options for women's advancement. Participants will explore a variety of non-traditional professional opportunities, learn effective communication skills to engage with their partners and families, be prepared to advocate for women's sexual and reproductive health, and feel empowered to make decisions that support their future aspirations.
Your donation will enable Adolescent Girls Empowerment Initiative participants to become leaders and changemakers in their communities. To ensure the sustainability of the program, former participants will become peer leaders, offering guidance and support to future cohorts. With your support, the AGEI can be implemented and replicated to reach more adolescent girls in our catchment area in the future.
