Feminist Training Empowers Young Leaders in Karamoja
Last week, with support from the European Union, ActionAid International Uganda brought together adolescents, youth activists, and young leaders in Karamoja for a feminist training. The goal was to explore innovative ways to address Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) challenges that affect young people every day.
Through interactive discussions and hands-on activities, young women and girls gained knowledge, skills, and confidence to speak up for themselves, advocate for their peers, and challenge gender inequalities in their communities. They left the sessions inspired to become transformative leaders, ready to create safer spaces and drive social change.
The need is urgent: in Karamoja, about 2.2% of women have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM), higher than the national average and half of all girls are married before their 18th birthday. Many girls face school dropouts, early pregnancies, and increased risks of HIV/AIDS and other infections, all while navigating harmful social norms that limit their opportunities.
By equipping adolescents and youth leaders with these tools, ActionAid is nurturing a generation that can turn knowledge into action, protect the rights of girls and young women, and help communities imagine a future free from harmful practices.
