It began with a simple but urgent realization that for many girls, access to education alone is not enough. Grounded in our work with girls and communities in Uganda, we identified the barriers that consistently push girls out of school, including early pregnancy, gender based violence, lack of safe spaces, limited guidance, and deeply rooted social norms that shape what girls believe is possible for their lives. Even when girls are enrolled, many are not supported to stay, to lead, or to fully realize their potential.

In response to this gap, Girl Up Initiative Uganda was established in 2012. What began as a focused effort to support girls with life skills and mentorship has evolved into a holistic, gender transformative model that operates at both the individual and systems level.

From the outset, it became clear that lasting change cannot be achieved by working with girls alone. To shift outcomes at scale, the approach engages the full ecosystem surrounding girls, including boys, parents, teachers, and community leaders, challenging harmful norms while strengthening supportive environments.

Over a decade in; the work has expanded from improving access to education to strengthening agency. Today, Girl Up Initiative Uganda partners with schools and communities to ensure girls stay in school, transition successfully, and build the confidence, skills, and opportunities to lead their own lives. Recognizing that many girls fall outside formal education, the organization also provides non formal skilling pathways, equipping out of school girls with practical, market relevant skills that enable entry into employment and entrepreneurship.