WHAT WE DO ?

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT AND ACTION FOR CHANGE (YEAC)

WHAT WE DO

— Empowering Girls Through Organization (Girls Not Bride):

The project successfully empowered young girls by identifying, training, and uniting them under the Girls Not Bride Group. These girls were engaged on the platform of Girls Reflect Circle (a safe space for girls) to advocate for girls’ rights. Within the GRC, they ran programs to educate adolescent girls on critical topics such as child marriage, sexual and gender-based violence prevention, sexual reproductive health, human rights, and family planning, aiming to advocate for girls’ rights.

— Establishing Safe Platform:

: Through the creation of the Girls Reflect Circle, the project provided a secure environment for girls to gather, exchange ideas, and learn about sexual and reproductive health, human rights, family planning, and various contraceptive methods/usage. Besides, it facilitated access to information about free government services aimed at preventing unintended pregnancies. The center not only offered a safe space and raised awareness but also instilled confidence in adolescent married girls, enabling them to communicate and negotiate with their husbands and families to postpone pregnancies until they complete their education and reach a suitable physical maturity for childbirth. This platform empowered girls to address early marriage, unintended pregnancies and sexual violence, bolstering their confidence and enabling meaningful participation in decision-making processes.

— Enhancing Access to Sexual Reproductive Health Information and Services:

It facilitated access to vital reproductive health information and assisted adolescents in accessing free services in government facilities, including family planning and contraceptives, for adolescent married girls. This access significantly contributed to a decline in teenage pregnancies and maternal mortality rates as girls became more informed about their sexual reproductive health rights and family planning options.

— Mitigating Sexual and Gender-Based Violence:

Girls participating in the project, as well as married adolescent girls, were equipped with knowledge through the Girls Reflect Circle platform. They learned about child marriage, sexual harassment, gender-based laws, and self-defense methods. This empowerment enabled them to assert their rights and take preventative measures against harassment, assault, and violence, fostering a safer environment for girls.

— Girls Education:

YEAC, with the support of the education department, carried out a project for girls’ education promotion funded by the World Bank in District Awaran. Around 1000 girls were identified and enrolled in schools. Community mobilization and counseling sessions were conducted with parents and communities to encourage and enroll girls in school. Teachers, parents, and communities were sensitized on child rights concerning protection, growth, development, survival of children, and the responsibilities of parents and society.

— Curbing Child Abuse:

YEAC is executing a campaign on child abuse where girls and boys are being sensitized in various schools and communities about good touch and bad touch. They are taught that no one can touch them except their parents, and if this rule is broken, they must cry out and complain to their parents immediately to seek support and ensure their safety. This is achieved through showing a video clip of the famous film star Mr. Amir Khan to children, teaching them about good touch and bad touch, which body parts are acceptable to touch, and how to react immediately to ensure their safety.