The EmpowHer initiative is driven by a vision of shaping a world where every woman can use her voice, make her own decisions, and participate in economic opportunities without any limitations. Our work is a testament to the resilience, strength, and potential of girls and young women across Africa. From rural villages to urban centers, we witness the determination of young women to overcome barriers, rewrite their stories, and build better futures for themselves and their communities. However, many continue to face overwhelming challenges in achieving their dreams. Cultural norms, patriarchal values, gender-based violence (GBV), limited access to sexual and reproductive health education, period poverty, and lack of economic opportunities perpetuate cycles of disempowerment, leaving many girls unable to access the tools and knowledge they need to succeed.
Purpose
One of the most heartbreaking realities is that girls with immense potential are often forced to drop out of school due to early pregnancy, lack of access to sanitary products, or the need to care for their families. For too many, this is the start of a lifetime of limited opportunities. GBV further exacerbates these challenges, with many young women experiencing domestic violence, sexual harassment, and harmful practices that undermine their confidence, safety, and ability to thrive. Additionally, limited access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education leaves many adolescent girls uninformed about their rights and options, making them vulnerable to unplanned pregnancies and unsafe practices.
These challenges not only hinder individual progress but also compromise the collective potential for community and national development.
At its core, EmpowHer recognizes the transformative power of sustainable education in breaking these cycles. Through partnerships with schools, communities, and stakeholders, EmpowHer focuses on creating safe learning environments where young women can thrive academically and socially. This includes but not to limiting to addressing period poverty through the provision of menstrual hygiene products, advocating for comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education, and raising awareness about GBV and its impact on education. By doing so, we aim to remove barriers that keep girls out of school, ensuring that education becomes not only a tool for empowerment but also a pathway to long-term resilience and sustainable development.
Through EmpowHer, we are committed to building a future where each girl not only believes in her abilities but is also equipped with the tools to rise above the limitations placed on her by society. We aim to create a world where girls and young women can lead, innovate, and inspire their communities to grow and thrive, free from the barriers that hold them back, with sustainable education as the cornerstone of their journey.