Creating Girl-Friendly Schools in Kawempe
“Girls in our schools face so many challenges — harassment, neglect, early pregnancy, hunger. Some are pushed out by stigma. We realised that the whole school has to be involved — not just teachers, but matrons, cooks, guards and admin staff. Everyone has a role to play in protecting girls and making school a safe, welcoming place.”
— Ms Apio Rita, Deputy Headteacher, Emmanuel College (pictured above)
When schools reopened after COVID, many girls in Kampala’s slums did not return. Violence and coercion during lockdown left some as child mothers. Others faced stigma, harassment and unsafe schools that kept them out of education altogether.
Our Creating Girl-Friendly Schools programme was shaped by listening to these girls about what they need to feel safe. Together with our long-term partners at Tusitukirewamu Group (TWG), we are working with schools so that safeguarding is part of everyday life, and every girl has the chance to continue her education with confidence and without fear.
The change we want to see
Schools that welcome child mothers and survivors of sexual violence, giving them the support they need to stay in class.
Teachers and staff trained to respond with care, making sure no girl is excluded or stigmatised.
Girls who know their rights, can speak up when something is wrong, and lead their peers through Hope Clubs.
Parents and communities who understand the value of girls’ education and play their part in protecting it.
Model schools that show what’s possible and set the standard for others across Kawempe and beyond.
Saftey for all
When girls are able to stay in school, they build healthier, more secure lives for themselves and their families. But for too many in Kampala, violence, stigma and lack of support have kept them from education. By creating girl-friendly schools, we can help keep girls safe and learning.
You can read how one student - Sharon - describes this change in her own words: “Now I use my voice to help other girls.”