GirlKind Kenya (GKK) is a grassroots organization with a mission to create communities in which girls can thrive. The organization primarily serves adolescent girls in the Ifo 2 refugee settlement, located in Kenya’s Dadaab Refugee Complex. Through targeted initiatives such as mentorship programs, life skills training, and advocacy campaigns, the organization reaches more than 1,500 girls annually. These programs have demonstrated clear, positive impacts, including increased confidence among girls and higher rates of school attendance.
Adolescent girls in this settlement face significant challenges which exacerbate vulnerabilities created by their refugee status. An analysis by Save the Children found that the majority of women and girls in Dadaab have experienced one or multiple forms of gender-based violence. Climate-related effects have further exacerbated this issue as girls travel longer distances to find water. In the midst of the worst drought Kenya has experienced in the past 40 years, the International Rescue Committee reported that demand for gender-based violence services in Dadaab increased by 50 percent in 2022 compared to 2021. GKK addresses these critical challenges, offering programs which are designed to meet the unique needs of girls in the community.
With support from the Girls Opportunity Alliance Fund, GKK will implement a multifaceted program to address the range of challenges affecting girls. The project will include interventions to reduce barriers to education and promote girls’ health and wellbeing. GKK will connect girls to experienced mentors who will provide guidance and foster resilience, and it will also offer scholarships, tutoring, and life skills training. Additionally, GKK will lead community-based programs to address gender-based violence and other harmful norms.
Over two years, GKK expects to reach approximately 1,200 girls between the ages of 10 and 19, as well as 4,800 community members. Through its comprehensive initiatives and community engagement efforts, the organization aims to promote sustainable changes by directly supporting girls and changing harmful attitudes at a grassroots level. Ultimately, GKK hopes to empower girls with tools to overcome even the most difficult circumstances, providing opportunities which enable them to reach their full potential.
To learn more about GirlKind Kenya, please visit the organization’s website and social media pages:
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