Our project at International Peace Initiatives (IPI) Kenya will provide 105 women in Meru County free access to skills training so that they can provide for themselves, their families and change their lives by having a secure and stable income. Currently we are running year 3 of a 3-year project to support vulnerable young women in Meru to complete an accredited Diploma in Hair and Beauty. They will be able to care for their children and become agents of change for their communities.
In Kenya, one in five girls between 15 and 19 are mothers. Families struggle with poverty, disease and the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. In Meru, 21% of the population have no formal education. When girls become mothers, the vast majority drop out of school. They face rejection from the father of their child, their families and community. Many become homeless, with no chance of securing a decent job, forcing them into commercial sex work to survive and provide for their children.
We will provide vocational courses free of charge to those who are in the most need, led by respected local organisation, International Peace Initiatives, (IPI). Ecologia has worked in partnership with IPI since 2012 developing sustainable empowerment projects to mitigate the effects of poverty and disease on women and children. The Hair & Beauty course is community-led and designed so that vulnerable young women are equipped with the life skills to care for themselves and their children.
1. 100% of 105 women no longer in commercial sex work. 2. 80% of 105 women to be engaged in developing their own Hair & Beauty businesses. 3. 80% of 105 women report an increase in confidence; increased awareness of the importance of sexual health and how to manage their own HIV and health. 4. Decline in the number of unwanted pregnancies. 5. Reduced rate of STI infections reported by women in local areas. 6. 100% of 105 women share learning to empower women and girls in their communities.
