From April to November 2024, Marafiki United Green Youths Initiative implemented the Girls for Girls Project to equip adolescent girls and young feminists in Kawempe with vocational skills in tailoring and creative fashion. With funding from the Learning Initiative, the project trained 10 girls, building their self-confidence, economic potential, and leadership capacity. The program also created a safe space for peer learning and critical dialogue around gender equity, self-esteem, and leadership. The project has had measurable success in supporting girls to begin income-generating activities, find
employment, and take up community leadership roles.
Background and Rationale
In Kawempe, many adolescent girls face high unemployment, limited access to economic resources, and vulnerability to gender-based violence. These challenges often stem from low skill levels, limited opportunities for income generation, and lack of supportive environments that nurture leadership among young women. The Girls for Girls project was designed in response to these challenges, with a focus on:
- Promoting self-reliance through practical skills training.
- Building self-esteem and leadership among marginalized girls.
- Creating a sisterhood of young women committed to personal and community
transformation.
Objectives of the Project
- Equip 10 adolescent girls with practical vocational skills in tailoring and creative fashion.
- Establish a safe, supportive learning space for young girls and feminists to
engage in leadership, peer mentorship, and personal development. - Enable participants to start income-generating activities or gain employment.
- Foster a network of change-makers committed to gender equity and community impact.
Target Group
The project focused on:
- Girls aged 15 to 24 years residing in Kawempe.
- Participants from low-income households with limited access to formal education or employment opportunities.
- Young women facing socio-economic vulnerabilities, including early marriage, single motherhood, or exposure to gender-based violence.
Implementation Strategy
a) Mobilization and Selection
- 10 participants were selected through community referrals and in collaboration with local leaders and women groups.
- Priority was given to girls who showed interest in fashion, had limited schooling, and lacked access to vocational training.
b) Skills Training
- 6-month training program in tailoring and creative fashion.
- Weekly sessions were held at our Marafiki community center using locally available materials.
c) Mentorship and Personal Development
- Monthly peer-to-peer sessions covering:
- Self-esteem and mental well-being.
- Gender-based violence awareness and prevention.
- Leadership and community engagement.
d) Exposure and Partnerships
- A study visit to Kwera Uganda Limited introduced participants to a real-world fashion enterprise.
- This led to internship and employment opportunities for outstanding participants.
Key Achievements and Impact
| Outcome | Description |
| 10 girls trained | Gained hands-on skills in tailoring and fashion. |
| 6 started micro-businesses | Using their skills, these girls now earn income through custom tailoring and product sales. |
| 2 employed | Through the Kwera Uganda partnership. |
| 1 became a youth leader | Nabukalu Rahmah now serves as Youth Leader for Keti Falawo. |
| Safe space created | For learning, sharing, and peer support. |
| Increased self-esteem | Noted through qualitative testimonials and follow-up interviews. |
“Before this training, I never imagined I could earn money from my hands. Now I’m
supporting my siblings with what I make,” – Nalwadda Hadijah(participant)
“I used to love tailoring but I could not afford the high amounts of money I were
requested from training schools, the girls for girls is my rescuer” Namaganda Fatuma.
(Participant)
Challenges Faced
- Limited space and equipment: At times, sewing machines and materials were shared, slowing down learning.
- High demand vs. capacity: Many more girls expressed interest than the program could accommodate. (Our file has 40 girls that we did not train)
- Follow-up constraints: Monitoring participants’ progress post-training required
more human and financial resources.
Lessons Learned
- Tailoring is a highly viable skill for quick income-generation among young women in Kawempe.
- Peer learning and safe spaces are powerful in building confidence and resilience among vulnerable girls.
- Partnerships with private sector players like Kwera Uganda are essential for post-training opportunities.
- Leadership emerges naturally when girls are empowered with agency and practical skills.
Sustainability and Next Steps
We envision scaling the impact of this project by:
- Establishing a Girls Creative Hub – a permanent space where alumni can:
o Continue learning and innovating.
o Access advanced tools and mentorship.
o Train other girls in the community. - Expanding intake to accommodate 30–50 girls annually.
- Building more partnerships with fashion houses, NGOs, and local
government to strengthen the ecosystem for girl-led enterprises.
Conclusion
The Girls for Girls project has proven that with the right support, adolescent girls can transform their lives, contribute economically, and lead change in their communities. The ripple effects of employment, leadership, mentorship are already visible, and with continued investment, this initiative can reach hundreds more girls across Kawempe and beyond.
Contact
Kalema Robert
Project E &M
Marafiki United Green Youths Initiative
