What the program is

The Gender & Youth Empowerment Program promotes gender equality, safe communities, and youth wellbeing through awareness creation, training, and community dialogue.

The program strengthens understanding of gender for development and supports women’s participation in income-generating activities by addressing harmful norms and improving shared decision-making at household level.

It also provides education on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) to reduce unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and gender-based violence.

Why it matters

Gender inequality, limited SRHR knowledge, and harmful social norms remain key barriers to health, education, and economic progress in rural communities.

• Improves access to accurate SRHR information for adolescents and adults
• Reduces preventable risks linked to unplanned pregnancies and STIs
• Addresses drivers of gender-based violence and household conflict
• Supports stronger families by enabling women to participate in livelihoods

The program responds to common challenges such as limited SRHR service providers, stigma, and cultural or religious barriers that discourage use of some family planning options.

Who it serves

• Women and girls, including adolescent girls and young mothers
• Men and boys as partners in promoting gender equality and healthy families
• Adolescents and youth with limited access to youth-friendly SRHR information
• Couples and households seeking improved wellbeing and income stability
• Community leaders, peer educators, and youth champions supporting behaviour change