Creative Action Institute catalyzes community-driven solutions that advance gender equality and a sustainable planet globally. Since 2020, Creative Action has been working in communities around the world to develop leadership and advocacy skills. The organization’s East Africa initiative equips marginalized girls to stay in school and advocate for changes to barriers to girls’ education within their community.
In communities across East Africa, adolescent girls face barriers to completing their education, compounded by poverty, harmful gender norms, climate change, and lack of access to menstrual health products. Families often prioritize boys’ education over girls’ and some cannot afford basic hygiene items, which increases the risk of school dropout. Climate issues in the region disproportionately impact girls’ responsibilities and cause barriers to education.
With support from the Girls Opportunity Alliance Fund, Creative Action Institute will deepen the impact of its Sauti ya Dada program, which translates to “Girls’ Voice” in Kiswahili. The project’s investment in leadership development enables girls to design self-advocacy projects, engage stakeholders in solution-oriented dialogue, and spark community-level change. Weekly meetings provide mentorship and peer support to develop leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. Girls also receive kits to support menstrual health, and parents and caregivers are provided information s on issues impacting girls.
The project aims to reach 510 adolescent girls directly through leadership training, mentorship, and education programs, and an additional 6,000 community members will be reached indirectly. By providing safe spaces, mentorship, leadership training, inspiration and the tools for creative advocacy, the organization hopes to ensure that girls not only remain in school but also step into their power as community leaders.
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