Madada program
In Mathare, Kenya, young girls face health risks and stigma due to limited sexual and reproductive health access. This project empowers youth aged 15–25 with SRHR education and leadership training using Backa’s Sex-Ed method, supporting them to raise awareness through workshops, digital storytelling, and community advocacy.
Project Summary
Project period: September 2024 – August 2026 (Ongoing)
Partners: Mwelu Foundation (Kenya)
Funded by: Swedish Institute
In Mathare, Kenya, young girls face health risks and stigma due to limited sexual and reproductive health access. This ongoing project empowers youth aged 15–25 with SRHR (Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights) education and leadership training using Backa’s Sex-Ed method, supporting them to raise awareness through workshops, digital storytelling, and community advocacy.
Context and Challenges
Young girls in Mathare slum, Kenya face health challenges during their transition to adulthood. This includes limited access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) information and services, which may contribute to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unwanted pregnancies. Poor SRHR outcomes can impact young women through stigma, diminished educational and employment opportunities, and negative effects on mental health, self-worth, and self-esteem.
Understanding SRHR and CSE (comprehensive sexuality education) is vital for fostering healthy knowledge of sexuality, ensuring access to health services, and aligning with national and international human rights laws. Insufficient access to SRHR information can lead to unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and maternal morbidity and mortality. CSE and life skills training empower youth to achieve sexual health and prevent adverse outcomes.
Activities Implemented
- Leadership training and SRHR workshops for girls and boys aged 15–25
- Creative digital media workshops linking youth in Mathare and Sweden for knowledge exchange
- Awareness-raising through digital storytelling, community events, and panel discussions
- Planning meetings with community leaders and youth-led media outreach campaigns
- Peer education programs to expand SRHR knowledge in communities
This approach ensures young boys and men understand SRHR from the perspective of young girls and women, equipping all youth with skills to support better sexual health outcomes.
Impact
The project contributes to improved SRHR knowledge and awareness among young girls and boys in Mathare, equipping them with life skills to make informed decisions. It addresses community stigma and empowers youth to support one another, reducing risks such as STIs, unwanted pregnancies, and unsafe abortions.
By targeting young boys and men separately, the Sex-Ed methodology and creative digital training raise awareness about the significance of SRHR from the perspective of young girls and women, and provide boys and men with skills to support them. Research by the Population Council highlights the lack of accurate information on sexuality among boys in urban informal areas.
Updates & Reports
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Contact
📧 For more information or to get involved, contact: development@fryshuset.se
📲 Follow the journey on Instagram — click the names to visit the profiles:
@fryshusetglobal &
@fryshusetyouthmobility