The Ugandan government has recognized the importance of education in the fight against child marriage and teenage pregnancy. The National strategy to end child marriage and teenage pregnancy 2022/2023-2026/2027 emphasizes that keeping girls in school is one of the most effective ways to reduce these issues. The strategy outlines several actions which include improving access to education for children especially girls, providing financial support to girls from poor backgrounds and increasing awareness in communities about the importance of girls’ education. The strategy aims to reduce child marriage and teenage pregnancy by addressing the root causes with education being a key focus.
Despite these efforts, challenges still remain, many families still struggle to afford school fees, uniforms and supplies. Long distances from home to school makes it difficult for girls to attend school regularly. Cultural beliefs and practices also continue to hinder progress as some communities still view child marriage as a way to secure a girl’s future.
This explains the amount of work ahead of us as advocates. From equipping parents and community leaders with information about the benefits of education and the dangers of Child marriage to empowering girls directly with life skills that will enable them to thrive amidst the challenges they face.
Wezesha Girls Network brings together grassroot organisations that are working to promote Girls’ education and contribute meaningfully to the realisation of Sustainable Goal 4- Quality Education. we work tirelessly to ensure that every girl has access to quality education by engaging communities in discussions about value of education and the dangers of child marriage and partnering with community leaders to create a supportive environment for girls’ education. We believe that by educating girls we can break the cycle of poverty and reduce the rates of child marriage and teenage pregnancy in Uganda.
Our members are working with girls directly through school clubs which create safer environments for them to open up and speak about issues affecting them as they seek appropriate guidance. They are equipping girls with life skills that will enable they to thrive as they walk a journey of self actualisation.
They are addressing issues related to menstruation and supporting some girls with reusable sanitary pads so that they can attend school daily without being limited by menstruation. Some girls have also been trained on how to make their own reusable sanitary pads and now they are fully in control of their bodies with the ability to menstruate with dignity and respect.
Support us to reach more communities and bring more grassroot organisations on board.
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