Across Ethiopia, thousands of girls face sexual violence, trafficking, and exploitation - many in silence. Poverty, displacement, and weak enforcement leave children exposed and unprotected. "Shield the Innocent" is FUGAO's bold six-year initiative to protect vulnerable girls, restore dignity to survivors, and engage communities in transforming harmful norms. The goal is simple: No girl should suffer alone. No abuser should walk free. Every survivor deserves healing and hope.
The Pressing Problem is: - 1 in 3 girls in Ethiopia faces sexual violence before age 18. Survivors face stigma, fear, and retaliation. Medical and psychological care is limited. Many cases never reach justice systems.
Our Six-Year Solution Build 6 Girls' Shield Centers with 24-hour protection services Trauma counselling for 10,000 survivors Vocational and income training for 2,000 girls Legal aid for 3,500 cases School & community awareness programs for 1.2 million people Education scholarships for 600 girls
Expected Long-Term Impact (by 2031) 10,000 survivors healed and supported. 3,500 legal cases pursued for justice. Over 1 million people sensitized. 2,000 survivors gain economic empowerment. Harmful social norms reduced in project areas. Community-driven child protection systems strengthened.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
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