Impact
Girl Up Uganda has impacted the community immensely one individual at a time
Impact
Adolescent Girls Program
The Adolescent Girls Program (AGP) empowers in-school adolescent girls to be leaders; reach their full educational potentials; and make healthy and informed choices. The AGP provides girls with the skills, knowledge, tools, mentorship, and support to develop their self-confidence and voice to thrive as leaders in their schools and communities.
Girls that can refuse unwanted sexual attention
87%
Girls who believe in their power to improve their lives
96%
Girls that hold leadership positions in their school
37%
Most Popular in the community
My name is Komuhendo Florence, and I am in primary seven. Before joining Girl Up, I was shy and wouldn't talk to anyone, especially boys. I used to hide my menstruation from my mother and miss school. Girl Up taught us to make reusable pads and now I can ask for help when needed. I also learned to assert my right to say no, which helped me focus on my schoolwork. Girl Up has made me more confident, and I am grateful for their support.
Komuhendo Florence
Program Participant
Before joining Girl Up, I was involved in a bad peer group and ignored my parents' advice. Coach Christine taught us about the dangers of peer pressure and bad behavior. This helped me change and make good friends. Now, I am the class monitress, respected by my teacher. I plan to use these skills to help my sister and advise friends to focus on their studies.
Nalubega Rachael
Program Participant
I didn't know about reusable sanitary pads. Living with my uncle, I was afraid to discuss menstruation and pretended to be sick. Eventually, I asked my uncle to call my mom in the village, who sent money for pads. After joining Girl Up, I learned about body changes and how to make reusable pads. Now, I manage my periods independently and have made five washable pads at home. This has relieved my mom of the financial burden, allowing her to use the money for other needs.
Namuro Felista
Program Participant
Most Popular in the community
I attended a peer-led session facilitated by Girl Up while pregnant and facing many challenges. Initially reluctant, I soon realized the value of the sessions, which covered topics like teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, growth and development, and prenatal care. The information profoundly impacted me, motivating me to change my behavior for the sake of my unborn baby. These sessions not only saved my life but also my baby's.
Elizabeth Athieno
Program Participant
With the support of the Niyetu project and local leaders, I overcame drug and alcohol addiction and improved my relationship with my family. Positive parenting sessions helped me recognize the value of seeking help and contributed to my personal growth. Now employed and engaged in positive activities like music and drama, I've been drug and alcohol-free for eight months. I encourage young people to commit to positive change and work with local leaders to tackle issues like substance abuse and gender-based violence for healthier communities.
Magandida Patrick
Program Participant
Impact
Ni-Yetu Youth Program
In partnership with Plan International Uganda, the Ni-Yetu Youth Program promotes leadership skills and equips young people 13-24 years with the correct knowledge, attitude, and skills for reducing gender-based violence (GBV) and improving their SRHR (sexual and reproductive health & rights) outcomes. Ni-Yetu is a gender-transformative project that looks at challenging negative social norms and practices that affect SRHR outcomes amongst young people.
Boy Champions of Change agree that a girl should state her opinions in public
93%
Participants increased their knowledge on how
STIs are spread
STIs are spread
97%
Participants seeking out sexual & reproductive
health services
health services
30%
Impact
She Leads
She Leads is a comprehensive five-year consortium program aimed at empowering girls and young women aged 14-24 across eight districts in Uganda. Implemented by seven local organizations under the leadership of Terre des Hommes Netherlands, Plan International, and FEMNET, the program focuses on three key domains: political and institutional engagement, social norms transformation, and fostering Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and GYW-led groups.
Girls that can advocate for their rights
90%
Girls participating in decision making spaces
87%
Girls that hold leadership positions in their communities
37%
Most Popular in the community
Joining the program helped me discover my interests in music and dance, making me more vibrant and happy. Interacting with others in safe spaces taught me to let go of negative thoughts and forgive. The supportive environment allowed me to transform and feel empowered. I made new friends, found the courage to speak about my fears, and now participate in various activities. As a peer educator and environmental leader, I help young girls understand their rights and advocate for themselves. Thank you, Girl Up.
Nakawooya Mary
Program Participant
The safe spaces played a significant role in positively impacting my life. I am now happy and emotionally stable, capable of making better and informed decisions. Being part of the She Leads Project has built my leadership capacity. I am currently the secretary of the reference group, which consists of 11 girls and young women (GYW). I conduct girl talks at the local council offices and volunteer at the community library in the Kawempe local council offices on days when I have no lectures.
Nagujja Hanifah
Program Participant
Impact
Mazuri Designs Hub
Mazuri Designs Hub is our social enterprise business that sells beautiful African clothing and accessories while also offering vocational training in fashion, design, and tailoring and entrepreneurial and personal skills training for out-of-school vulnerable young women, ages 16-35 years, to build their confidence and create employment opportunities.
Trainees increased their income from selling their sewing products
67%
1,300 Access Mazuri Designs services & trainings to date (2022)
MDH graduates cultivated belief in
themselves & their abilities
themselves & their abilities
80%
Most Popular in the community
I live with my elder sibling and used to help at a friend's tailoring shop in Bugolobi. Inspired by my desire to make something of my life despite financial challenges, I joined Mazuri to learn tailoring. I now know how to cut, measure, and sew different designs. The soft skills lessons have boosted my confidence and communication with customers. I have bought a sewing machine to start my own business.
Kyolimpa Resty
Program Participant
Before joining Mazuri Designs Hub, I was studying environmental science in Mbale. I wanted to use tailoring in my course, so I enrolled at Mazuri. I learned sewing, self-love, self-control, stress management, and handling peer pressure. I plan to start my own boutique business. I'm grateful to Mazuri for their support, which has given me valuable life skills to improve my future.
Birungi Sarah
Program Participant
I stay with my children and learned about Mazuri through community activations. Before attending fashion and design classes at Mazuri, I sold tomatoes and fried cassava. I have learned to sew skirts, trousers, dresses, and men's shirts, allowing me to make clothes for my children. Mazuri has also taught me to live harmoniously with others and provided me with business and record-keeping skills. I am currently saving to buy my own sewing machine.
Muhirwe Esther
Program Participant
I joined Mazuri Designs Hub to complete my tailoring studies, which I had started at YMCA. At Mazuri, I learned valuable skills such as cutting fabric, fixing and operating the machine, and handling customers. Thanks to the lessons, I started my own business. My temper and social skills have improved significantly, and I've made many friends.
Amongin Margaret
Program Participant
Most Popular in the community
I celebrate my every effort and investment in challenging the norms not forgetting my achievements as a student leader. My biggest gratitude to Girl Up Initiative Uganda for clearing the path for me and mentoring me into who I am today and to a better Latifah Uwihoreye in the future.
Latifah Uwihoreye
Program Participant
Impact
Big Sister
Our Big Sisters Network ensures the continued engagement and access to girl-friendly resources of our AGP graduates. The network offers a supportive environment to nurture and inspire emerging girl leaders through confidence-building exercises, leadership trainings, mentorship, and community advocacy campaigns.
Big Sisters actively seek out leadership
72%
Big Sisters believe they can effectively create a budget to manage their finances
92%
Big Sisters feel empowered to make informed decisions about their own sexual & reproductive health
90%