Girls in Kenya face a desperate situation
Childhood violence and abuse are rampant in Kenya. More than half of children report having experienced physical or sexual violence during childhood. This has severe consequences for the health and well-being of children by increasing risky sexual behavior, mental health problems, and the risk of victims becoming perpetrators themselves.
The COVID-19 pandemic further increased risks to vulnerable children, especially girls. It also led to an increase in child labor. Many girls were forced to drop out of school and enter forced and abusive marriages that often result in dangerous teen pregnancies. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is still a major problem in Kenya, especially in the Kuria tribe where most of our work is focused.
Here’s how HopeCo is responding to this urgent need: