SHE LEADS

She Leads is an initiative of Plan International Netherlands (PIN), Defence for Children – ECPAT the Netherlands (DCI-ECPAT), African Women’s Development and Communication Network (FEMNET), and Terre des Hommes the Netherlands (TdH).

This project is implemented in seven countries in Africa, and two countries in the Middle East, both on the regional and national level. She Leads brings together child rights organizations, feminist/women’s rights groups, and girl- and young women-led entities to collaboratively amplify the enduring influence of GYW on decision-making and the transformation of gender norms in both formal and informal institutions. The initiative aims to support and equip girls and young women to lead change within their countries, while also working internationally to drive policy changes concerning girls’ and young women’s participation and to empower GYW to leverage international systems for their advocacy.

Despite progressive legal frameworks, girls and young women still face widespread marginalization, hindering their full potential. Negative social norms and weak policy implementation are key contributors. She Leads aims to tackle these issues through national and international advocacy, collaborating with consortium partners to integrate the perspectives of girls and young women in gender-responsive laws and societal norms at various levels.

Increased and sustained influence of GYW on gender norms and in decision-making in formal and informal institutions.

Resourcing GYW Networks: Direct funding has enhanced the capacity of GYW groups, enabling them to identify and respond to community needs. This support fosters reflective individuals, positioning them for sustained advocacy work.
Coaching Boys into Men: This initiative focuses on teaching male champions healthy relationship skills, mental health practices, and the understanding that violence is never conducive to well-being. Training emphasizes effective interpersonal relationships, mutual respect, and accountability.
Girl-Led Community Engagement: GYW conducted various community activities, including life skills coaching, SRHR community dialogues, monthly safe space meetings, intergenerational dialogues, and review sessions. Their proactive planning and implementation demonstrate readiness and confidence to sustain advocacy beyond project timelines.
Round Table Dialogues with Community Leaders: Engaging key community leaders has been a successful strategy for dispelling myths, promoting communication structures, and advocating for meaningful GYW engagement. Community leaders serve as models and champions for GYW networks.

5. Capacity Strengthening on Online Social Movement: GYW and male champions received training on building online social movements for advocacy. The focus is on utilizing social media platforms, especially Twitter, to reach targeted audiences and promote their interests and advocacy.

6. Media Advocacy – TV Talk Show: GYW participated in an interactive TV talk show, addressing topics such as sexual reproductive health, teenage pregnancy, and HIV/AIDS.

7. Boys Champion-Led Initiatives: Boys champions introduced creative strategies like Wall murals, Art and pictorials, and pad drives to support girls, demonstrating innovative approaches to engage their peers.

8. Joint Advocacy Initiatives with CSOs: Increased collaboration between adult-led CSOs and GYW groups has strengthened advocacy efforts, holding duty bearers accountable on major issues affecting GYW. Active involvement in events like IYD, IWD, and 16 days of activism allows GYW to influence key agenda items.

The Program has successfully supported 1,812 girls and young women and 114 Male Champions in Kisumu West & Seme Sub-counties to be able to lobby for resources and create their own spaces through mentorship and coaching in the past 1 year.
For 150 USD, you can support lobby and advocacy exercises for girls who need and facilitate referrals and linkages to requisite support groups.

Stakeholders

Targeting government on policy issues – Inclusion and meaningful participation of GYW.
Civil Society organizations with the aim of creating space for GYW.
Communities – Discriminative practices that hinder participation of GYW.
. Strengthening linkages with individuals and groups to partner for direct services
Eg. Sanitary pads, school fees (all levels), leadership training & coaching facilitation.

Staff

Alex Otieno

She Leads Project Officer

Meso Gorety

She Leads Associate

Target beneficiaries: Girls and young women ages 14-24 years, victims of social exploitation, sexual minorities, PWDs, teen mothers, and girls out of school. Duration: 2021-2025