Covid-19 resulted in a veritable surge in the prevalence of violence perpetrated against women and girls globally, a phenomenon that the international community described as a ‘Shadow Pandemic’. In Uganda, the government enforced some of the strictest lockdown measures globally in its effort to combat the spread of Covid-19, including the longest record of school closures worldwide – almost two years. While the extensive lockdown affected all young people, it particularly impacted adolescent girls, many of whom were and are living in poverty and became victims of sexual abuse and or exploitation. This resulted in myriad unsought pregnancies, child marriages, an increased number of young mothers, increased school drop-out rate, especially for the girl-child. In its national campaign, Protect the Girl, Save the Nation, the Ugandan Government documented a rate of roughly 32,000 teenage pregnancies per month over the course of the pandemic. The pandemic was exacerbated by a lack of knowledge and awareness about sexual and reproductive health among adolescent girls and weak social systems and structures that continually subject adolescent girls to the highest vulnerability levels.
JMERC provides holistic support to adolescent girls to explore contextual knowledge about the meaning of human sexuality, and how this intersects with their human dignity and rights. We provide training and mentorship sessions to raise awareness about sexual health and reproductive rights issues in their lives. We support adolescent girls to gain knowledge on HIV/AIDS transmission, prevention, treatment and care and; enable them to understand and appreciate how personal hygiene and sanitation are linked to their sexual and reproductive health and well-being. We particularly focus on facilitating girls in community schools to access and use menstrual hygiene products, including clean water and sanitary items. However, we are fully aware that providing resources is not enough to enable girls to thrive. For this reason, we support them through training and mentorship to develop agency to transcend their cultural gender norms and discrimination and develop the ability to make informed and responsible decisions about their sexual health and well-being.
REQUESTING YOUR SUPPORT
Every person has the opportunity to make a positive change in the life outcomes of the children in Africa — no matter how big or small. Whatever amount you can give, or time you are willing to dedicate, know that your contribution makes a huge difference in the lives of others.
Your generous support brings us ever closer to our goals. You can donate, champion this cause and or invite others to join us to transform the lives of children in Africa.