A Community Approach to Gender Equitable Education

The project increases the empowerment of 150 girls and young women from Mathare Valley Kenya to achieve their goals in higher education the workforce and their communities. Project activities include: (1) providing secondary and post-secondary scholarships to young women; (2) organizing sessions on menstrual hygiene sexual and reproductive health self-defence and life skills; (3) hosting a forum on “Women and Leadership” to link Canada-Mathare Education Trust (CMETrust) women scholars and alumni to professional women with careers in various sectors; (4) providing train-the-trainer workshops on gender equality the rights and empowerment of women and girls to scholars and alumni; and (5) co-organizing a conference with the Parents and Guardians Association to promote the benefits of education and gender equality in reducing poverty.

The expected outcomes of this project include: (1) increased attainment of quality education life skills and confidence among girls and young women in the Mathare Valley; and (2) increased ability of girls and young women to be influential decision-makers and challenge gender barriers in their communities.