Girl power; Roots to Rights

Uganda, like many countries experiencing rapid population growth and social change, faces a significant challenge in ensuring that young girls have access to essential Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) care. These barriers include limited access to contraception, sexual health information, and reproductive health services. The consequences of this lack of access are stark, manifesting as high rates of unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and sexually transmitted infections. These challenges perpetuate a cycle of poor reproductive health outcomes, contributing to Uganda's maternal mortality rates. UNFPA fact sheet on the trend of teenage pregnancies during the COVID-19 pandemic, Uganda's Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) stood at 336 deaths per 100,000 live births, with a concerning 17.2 percent of these deaths occurring among those aged 15-19. The problem runs deep, particularly in Western Uganda, where young girls as young as 12 are forced into early marriages, often with poor economic status and no say in their sexual and reproductive health. This situation is heartbreakingly dire.

Both government and NGOs in Uganda have invested in mitigating the effects of limited access to SRHR, but many solutions inadvertently perpetuate the problem while failing to address its root causes. For instance, while direct provision of essential items like pads and contraceptives is helpful, it is not sustainable as it does not address the underlying challenges. Integrating technology, such as creating user-friendly apps for information or chatbots for counseling, is an innovative step. However, it is often not contextually and culturally relevant. Additionally, the assumption that providing smartphones, and technology training is a panacea for the marginalized girls in rural areas overlooks the complexities of their lives and the challenges they face. In these communities, parents are often hesitant to allow their daughters to use technology if they suspect the purpose is related to SRHR. This fear is rooted in the belief that technology may mislead their girls. While technological solutions may work for some, they do not apply universally, and even when they do, they may not be sustainable due to a lack of alignment with the nature and context of the problem.

A recent study conducted by a team member on lived experiences of teenage mothers towards access and utilization of antenatal care services in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, revealed a fundamental challenge. Negative community perceptions towards adolescent mothers, from their peers, parents, religious leaders, health personnel, and other community members, hinder young adolescents from accessing antenatal care. This results in young girls who engage in sexual matters before marriage being stigmatized, whereas early marriages are accepted. These adolescent mothers or young girls who engage in sexual activities are often labeled as social menaces, failures, and face derogatory comments. As a result, young adolescents and teenage mothers are deprived of their sexual and reproductive health and rights to information, commodities, and services. Poverty further exacerbates the root causes of most SRHR challenges faced by these young girls, putting them in a vulnerable situation where they are taken advantage of and struggle to seek SRHR care independently.

What it is: The solution is an inclusive model empowering vulnerable young girls and women in rural areas to take control of their SRHR and facilitating open discussions about their bodies, relationships, and health.

What it does: This model equips young girls with skills to creatively express their SRHR experiences through art, music, and visual methods. These creative pieces’ challenge negative community perceptions and champion SRHR excellence

How the model works:

Step 1: Introduction to SRHR and SRHR challenges: The BIWA team provides an initial orientation on SRHR, emphasizing its importance and encouraging girls to reflect on their own SRHR experiences and challenges.

Step 2: Artistic Training and Expression: The BIWA team conducts workshops to train the girls in various creative methodologies, including painting, music composition, and video production, guiding them to express their SRHR experiences and challenges.

Step 3: Gradual Introduction to ICT: Basic digital literacy training is provided to girls in rural areas with limited exposure to technology. They learn to use mobile phones and simple apps and create offline resources for sharing and accessing information.

Step 4: Community sensitization and Engagement: The girls champion the campaigns on SHRH literacy and the need for SRHR care guided by BIWA team using discussions, storytelling, and culturally sensitive approaches to address and challenge SRHR misconceptions and encourage the community (peers, parents, religious leaders and village health workers) to provide emotional, practical and social support rather than judgement. Collaborate with the Village Health Team (VHT) to organize mobile clinics that offer basic SRHR services and distribute contraceptives in rural areas and engage young men promote their active involvement in SRHR and gender equality efforts. Furthermore, ask for space at different events including churches, community theatres, community radio where the girls can showcase their work like art shows, skits and others. The aim is to foster understanding, build a more supportive and informed community.

Step 5: Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programs: Girls receive vocational training and resources to become economically self-sufficient, emphasizing financial literacy. This empowers them to seek SRHR care independently.

Step 6: Transition to Tech-Based Solutions: Young girls are gradually introduced to technology-based solutions for SRHR information and services, with ongoing support and mentoring.

Step 7: Establish Support Systems: Trained peer counselors and educators provide support and information in a confidential environment. Community support groups and adult mentors are also established to build leadership skills and navigate complex SRHR issues.

Step 9: Monitoring and Evaluation: Girls are trained to gather feedback and assess the impact of their activities through surveys and discussions with community members.

Step 10: Scaling and Sustainability: Guidance is provided on involving more young girls and sustaining the program, potentially through the formation of girls’ advocacy clubs.

How it uses Technology: Basic technology is utilized for creating artistic content and videos, mobile information hubs, and a hotline or SMS service to discreetly offer SRHR information. These elements bridge the gap in accessing SRHR services in areas with limited access to advanced technology.

Who they are: Our solution serves young adolescents/ adolescent mothers and young women as its primary beneficiaries This is because they are in a crucial stage of their lives when they are exploring relationships, making decisions about their bodies, and forming their understanding of sexual and reproductive health therefore providing them with information, empowerment, and support to make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health is crucial. It also impacts local communities, the society at large by fostering a more inclusive and informed approach to SRHR issues.

Ways They Are Currently Underserved:

Young people often face stigma and taboos around discussing sexual and reproductive health topics, which can hinder their access to information and services. They lack access to comprehensive and accurate information about sexual health, contraception, safe practices, or available healthcare services. Vulnerable young girls have little or no financial resources which hinders their access and utilization of SRHR care independently and limits their ability to influence decisions that affect their bodies. They may lack supportive networks and resources for seeking advice, sharing experiences, and discussing their concerns related to sexual and reproductive health. The community members around young girls including peers, parents, teachers, health workers and religious leaders are negative about SRHR care for young girls/women hence not supportive in the whole process of seeking SHRH care.

How the solution solves their needs

Young adolescents/adolescent mothers/young women

The model creates a supportive community where young people can interact, share their stories, and seek advice. It builds a network of peers who can relate to their experiences. Young girls gain better access to accurate and comprehensive information about sexual and reproductive health which empowers them to make informed decisions regarding their sexual health and relationships. More so, by sharing personal stories and experiences, the solution empowers young people to express their experiences and challenges through creative mediums like art, music, and storytelling. This encourages open dialogue and reduces the stigma surrounding sexual and reproductive health. These young girls especially adolescent mothers may feel more comfortable seeking information and services without fear of judgment. The involvement in the creation and dissemination of SRHR content will empower these young girls to take control of their health and well-being. They will become advocates for their own needs and those of their peers. And lastly Young people will find a sense of community and support through this model. They can openly discuss their concerns and challenges with peers who may have similar experiences.

Local Communities:

The local communities will become more aware of SRHR issues, leading to a deeper understanding of the challenges young people face. This, in turn, can promote empathy and support for their needs. More so, these campaigns will encourage active involvement of community members in addressing SRHR challenges, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.

Society at Large:

The increased awareness and dialogue around SRHR can contribute to a broader cultural shift towards open conversations and acceptance of sexual health topics.

Atuhaire Annah who is the team lead and team members specifically, Mary, Glorious and Evas all originate from those rural areas and from humble homes who have encountered similar challenges to SRHR care including unintended pregnancies, poor socio-economic status and drop-outs from school therefore they are representative of the communities being served because hey share common backgrounds, experiences, and challenges with the vulnerable women and adolescent mothers. This enables them to have an authentic understanding of the issues faced by young girls and women in rural areas.

The team doesn't approach the young adolescents/young women with a preconceived solution. Instead, use a participatory approach and engage young girls/women in assessing their needs and most of our solutions and developments in the area of sexual and reproductive health are informed by research. This involves listening to the young girls’ concerns, challenges, and aspirations in accessing sexual and reproductive health and rights care.

Our solution is not imposed but rather developed in collaboration with the very people it aims to benefit, ensuring that it is meaningful, relevant, and effective in addressing the unique challenges vulnerable and young girls face in abid to access sexual and reproductive health and rights to information, since the team has established feedback mechanisms where the girls can voice their concerns, provide suggestions, and evaluate the impact of the solution. This continuous feedback loop helps refine the program over time.

our solution is a prototype because it has been practically implemented in rural areas. we have implemented this model with 50 young girls some of whom are teenage mothers and others are not. upon collecting data on the impact and gathered feedback, we realized we had not emphasized community sensitization and engagement to change negative perceptions of the community and yet it was a major hindrance to access of SRHR information, commodities and services, more so the model was not innovative enough to include in use of art, music and visual methods to express the girls' experiences since we realized that the girls them selves were not comfortable in discussing topics related to their bodies, so we have added this aspect to improve the model and lastly we had not considered introducing use of technology for these girls since it has been a big challenge to us basing on the context and socio-economic status of the girls but this model has been improved to introduce to the girls the use of technology in addressing their SRHR challenges.

This solution stands out for its innovative approach to addressing the
critical issue of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in
rural communities. What sets it apart is its holistic, community-driven
 and inclusive model that challenges community misconceptions about young girls' access to SRHR care not only but also educates young girls and empowers them to be change-makers within their own communities. By combining art, technology, and entrepreneurship, it fosters creativity and
self-sufficiency, bridging the gap between traditional and modern
approaches to SRHR. The deep community engagement and inclusive
leadership team ensure that the solution is tailored to the specific
needs and values of the population it serves, making it a truly
innovative and responsive program that breaks down barriers and inspires
lasting change.

Next Year (Year 1):

1. Increase SRHR Literacy: Within the first year, the goal is to increase SRHR literacy in the target communities by 25%, as measured by the number of individuals able to access and understand SRHR information and services.

2. Empower 100 Young Girls: Within the first year, the aim is to empower at least 100 young girls to gain financial independence and become advocates for SRHR in their communities through vocational skills training and community engagement.

3. Establish 5 Community Support Groups: The goal is to establish five community support groups that actively advocate for SRHR rights and serve as safe spaces for individuals seeking information and support.

4. Increase digital literacy: Within the first year, the goal is to increase digital literacy in rural areas among adolescent girls and young women by 30% as measure by the number of girls who can access and use digital tools

Next Five Years (Year 1 to Year 5):

1. 100% SRHR Literacy: Over the next five years, the ultimate goal is to achieve 100% SRHR literacy in the communities, ensuring that every individual can access and understand SRHR information and services.

2. Empower 500 Young Girls: The plan is to empower 500 young girls with vocational skills and financial literacy, creating a network of economically self-sufficient individuals who can access SRHR care independently.

3. Establish 25 Community Support Groups: The target is to establish 25 community support groups that champion SRHR rights, providing a robust network of advocacy and support across the communities.

4. incubate tech-based solutions to SHRH: The target is to support young girls who have ideas of integrating basic technology to ease the access of SRHR information, commodities and services.

Achievement Strategy:

1. Education and Outreach: Implement an aggressive education and outreach program in the first year, leveraging the community's involvement to disseminate SRHR information widely and effectively.

2. Expanded Training: Continuously scale up vocational skills training programs over the next five years to reach more young girls, creating an army of empowered advocates.

3. Community Mobilization: Engage community leaders and influencers to encourage the establishment of support groups, building a foundation for sustained advocacy and support.

4. Technology Integration: Gradually introduce technology-based solutions to increase access to SRHR information and services, ensuring no one is left behind.

5. Monitoring and Evaluation: Continuously monitor and evaluate the impact of the program through surveys, feedback mechanisms, and discussions with community members to track progress towards these goals.

6. Sustainability: Train and mentor community members to take the lead in sustaining the program, expanding its reach, and advocating for SRHR rights. This includes the formation of girls' advocacy clubs for long-term impact.

Long-Term Outcomes (Impact):

1. Improved SRHR Literacy: Enhanced knowledge and understanding of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in the community.
2. Economic Empowerment: Increased financial independence and ability to access SRHR care independently.
3. Community Advocacy: Fostering a culture of SRHR understanding, acceptance, and support within the community.
4. Technological Access: Increased access to SRHR information and services in even the most remote areas.

Short-Term Outcomes:

1. Increased SRHR Literacy:
   • Activities: Education and Outreach, Vocational Skills Training
   • Outputs: Knowledgeable young girls and women in rural communities.
2. Economic Empowerment:
   • Activities: Vocational Skills Training and Empowerment
   • Outputs: Young girls acquire vocational skills and financial literacy.
3. Community Advocacy:
   • Activities: Community Mobilization and Support Groups
   • Outputs: Formation of community support groups.
4. Technological Access:
   • Activities: Technology Integration
   • Outputs: Introduction of technology-based solutions for SRHR.

Activities:

1. Education and Outreach:

   • Outputs: Conducting SRHR education programs and outreach campaigns.
   • Inputs: Educational materials, trainers, community engagement resources.

2. Vocational Skills Training and Empowerment:

   • Outputs: Young girls acquiring vocational skills and financial literacy.
   • Inputs: Training facilities, trainers, vocational resources.

3. Community Mobilization and Support Groups:

   • Outputs: Formation of community support groups.
   • Inputs: Community engagement resources, facilitators.

4. Technology Integration:

   • Outputs: Introduction of technology-based solutions for SRHR.
   • Inputs: Technology infrastructure, training, technological resources.
5. This approach acknowledges that knowledge is power, and through
   education, young girls and women will be better equipped to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. By empowering them with vocational skills and financial literacy, the solution breaks down economic barriers, ensuring they can access SRHR care independently. The establishment of support groups and community mobilization creates an environment where SRHR is openly discussed and supported, eradicating stigma and encouraging individuals to seek care. Finally, technology integration expands access, ensuring no one is left behind in their quest for SRHR information and services. Together, these strategies are expected to lead to improved SRHR outcomes, economic empowerment, and a more inclusive and informed community.

Full time staff-3 workers (Team Lead, advocacy and IT specialists)

Part time staff-1 worker (Advisor)

Other work-1 worker ( Research specialist)

We have been working on the solution for two years

The team is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusivity in
their solution, which is designed to empower and support vulnerable
young girls and women in rural communities. our leadership team
represents diverse backgrounds and identities, reflecting the
communities we serve. we engage with young girls to understand
unique needs and challenges, prioritize cultural sensitivity, and
actively address disparities. By providing vocational training,
financial literacy, and leadership opportunities, we ensure
equitable access and aims to eliminate systemic barriers. Transparency,
accountability, and community involvement are central to our approach,
making our solution a model of inclusivity and empowerment aligned
with MIT Solve's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Value Proposition:

• Empowerment and Education: Provide young people with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health, empowering them to take control of their well-being.
• Reducing Stigma: Create a safe and inclusive space for discussing SRHR issues, reducing stigma and fostering open conversations within communities.
• Policy Advocacy: Advocate for changes in local policies to improve access to SRHR information and services, benefiting both the target community and society at large.

Customer Segments:

• Young People: Adolescents and young adults (ages 13-25) who are seeking information and support related to SRHR.
• Local Communities: The broader community where the campaigns are implemented, including parents, community leaders, and healthcare providers.
• Policymakers and Authorities: Those in positions of authority who can influence and change SRHR policies.

Information and Services:

• Workshops and Training: Offer workshops and training sessions on SRHR topics, led by experts in the field.
• Art, Music, and Storytelling Content: Create engaging content that addresses SRHR issues through art, music, and storytelling.
• Advocacy and Policy Change: Engage in advocacy efforts to influence changes in local policies related to SRHR.
• Community Support: Provide a support network for young people facing SRHR challenges, including mentorship and peer-to-peer support.

Channels:

• Community Workshops: Conduct in-person workshops and events within the target community.
• Digital Platforms: Utilize websites, social media, and online communities to reach a wider audience, especially young people.
• Local Media: Collaborate with local radio, newspapers, and television stations to increase visibility within the community.
• Community Partnerships: Partner with local organizations, schools, and healthcare providers to access and engage with the target community.

Key Resources:

• Human Resources: Skilled team members including content creators, youth engagement specialists, healthcare professionals, and advocacy experts.
• Funding: Financial resources to support the implementation of campaigns and advocacy efforts.
• Community Partnerships: Collaborative relationships with local organizations, schools, and healthcare providers.
• Online Presence: A website and active presence on social media and digital platforms.

Key Activities:

• Content Creation: Develop engaging art, music, and storytelling content related to SRHR.
• Workshop Facilitation: Organize and conduct workshops and training sessions within the community.
• Feedback Collection: Actively gather feedback from the community to assess the effectiveness of campaigns.
• Advocacy Efforts: Engage with local authorities and policymakers to influence policy changes.
• Community Engagement: Actively involve the community, young people, and local stakeholders in the initiatives.
• Policy Research: Continuously monitor local policies and regulations related to SRHR to identify areas for improvement.

The financial sustainability plan for this initiative encompasses a
diversified approach to secure ongoing funding. This includes seeking
partnerships with governmental health agencies, NGOs, and international
organizations to access grants and support. In parallel, the solution
aims to establish income-generating mechanisms, such as small-scale
entrepreneurial activities initiated through vocational training, that
can contribute to self-sustainability. Additionally, community
involvement is leveraged to organize fundraising events and social
enterprises. The plan emphasizes rigorous financial monitoring,
transparent reporting, and cost-efficiency to ensure the effective
utilization of funds, while also allowing for the scaling of the
initiative as it grows. This multi-pronged strategy ensures the
long-term viability of the program, reducing dependence on any single
funding source and promoting self-sufficiency within the communities
served.