By Audrey Kanyesigye | Country Director
As part of our campaign to celebrate men, JLMC wants to recognize a team of extraordinary men on the ground in Uganda, who, together with female advocates, rally together constantly to protect and support girls who face unspeakable odds.
We learned long ago that while Girl Power Project is an awesome curriculum for girls, we must engage adults in the community to volunteer to advocate for girls. So, the Girl Power Project trains trusted adults in the community to support and mentor girls with knowledge about children’s rights and the local law.
JLMC receives dozens of reports every week about how adult advocates are putting their knowledge into action and are being recognized as local heroes.
Recently, a Girl Power Project advocate learned that two sisters, ages 15 and 17 were being sexually abused by their local pastor! This advocate informed the community leaders, many of them who are men, and together they immediately alerted the police. The pastor was arrested. Medical personnel examined the girls, confirming not only the abuse, but also that both girls had been impregnated. An official police case was opened. An investigation has revealed that the pastor was manipulating these vulnerable adolescent girls and their mother by promising to pay the girls school fees in exchange for intercourse.
The JLMC team in Uganda ensured that as tragic as this circumstance was, that the girls received prenatal care and counseling since pregnancy is a leading cause of death for teenage girls. We have received word that both girls survived childbirth and have delivered healthy babies.
The pastor has been jailed so he is no longer a threat to girls who are just trying to stay in school.
It is because of the courage and support of male leaders who are willing to serve as a social saftey net for the girls in their community and stand up against sexual and gender based violence that the Girl Power Project is able to have such a significant impact! We commend and celebrate these male allies!!
We hope you will support JLMC's efforts by contributing to the Girl Power Project!
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