Global Fund for Children supports a network of five community-based organizations in West Africa that are tackling violence against girls in their own communities, while empowering girls to exercise agency and autonomy over their bodies and their lives.

This initiative is a partnership between Tides Foundation, People’s Postcode Lottery, and GFC.

Our partners in this initiative are primarily located in the rural border areas of Liberia and Sierra Leone, where girls and young women often face higher rates of violence and more limited access to education than in the capital cities. Diverse in programming and experience, the local groups in this initiative share the following attributes:

  • They are led by women and/or by youth
  • They work to address the root causes of violence against women and girls, with an emphasis on ending female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), child marriage, and sexual abuse
  • They have experience working with and empowering adolescent girls

GFC is providing these local organizations with flexible funding and capacity development services to support their growth and effectiveness.

Project Partners

CENTER FOR ADVOCACY AND SUSTAINABLE EMPOWERMENT
Bo, Sierra Leone

Dedicated to removing barriers to girls’ education in Sierra Leone, Center for Advocacy and Sustainable Empowerment (CASE SALONE) empowers girls to stay in school, realize their potential, and take on leadership positions. Working in schools and communities, CASE SALONE establishes student empowerment clubs; trains girls in leadership and public speaking; and provides girls with safe spaces and counseling services.

CHILDREN’S FORUM NETWORK – KENEMA
Kenema, Sierra Leone

In a community where the prevalence of FGM/C is over 90%, Children’s Forum Network – Kenema creates safe spaces for children to discuss and raise public awareness about the issues affecting their lives. A local, autonomous branch of Sierra Leone’s national children’s parliament, CFN-Kenema also organizes trainings and conferences on specific child rights issues to help young people speak out against child rights violations.

COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE INITIATIVE
Bopolu, Liberia

With a focus on rural teenagers, Community Healthcare Initiative (CHI) educates girls about their sexual and reproductive rights, health and hygiene, and the harmful effects of early marriage and FGM/C, while also providing safe spaces for them to discuss issues affect them. CHI also advocates at the national level for better protections for girls across Liberia.

INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR TEENAGERS
Bo, Sierra Leone

Integrated Development Program for Teenagers (IDP4T) empowers teens in Sierra Leone to have agency over their bodies and make informed life decisions. It conducts Teen Talk programs in schools, operates a helpline, and provides direct services to young survivors of violence and trafficking.

WOMEN AGAINST VIOLENCE AND EXPLOITATION IN SOCIETY
Bo, Sierra Leone

Women Against Violence and Exploitation in Society (WAVES) develops the capacity of girls in Bo, Sierra Leone, both in and out of school, to speak out against sexual and gender-based violence, advocate for sexual and reproductive rights, and become agents of change in their communities. The organization also conducts extensive community outreach and advocates for policy change to benefit girls and women.

Learn more about this project in the featured stories below.

Header photo: © Community Health Care Initiative

Featured Stories

Global Fund for Children (GFC) UK Trust, created in 2006, is a UK registered charity (UK charity number 1119544). We work to generate vital income, create new fundraising opportunities, and raise awareness of the invaluable work of GFC’s grassroots grantees. Our aim is to extend the reach of GFC in the United Kingdom, Europe, and beyond.

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