Overview:

The JP was developed with an aim to support the on-going national effort to address the challenges faced by women and girls, which derive from their low status in society, high prevalence of harmful traditional practices (such as child marriage, abduction, vulvectomy, tonsillectomy or food discrimination), limited knowledge and access to reproductive health services, vulnerability to HIV/AIDS and limited livelihoods opportunities.

The JP reached out to over 51,000 community members to engage in regular conversations in order to increase awareness, affect attitudes towards girls and women and ultimately prevent harmful practices. Some of the resulting achievements include condemnation and action against harmful practices by faith based organizations, as well as the report and interruption of 497 child marriages and 1,500 FGM (female genital mutilation) cases.

Through outcome 2 and its life skills and literacy component the Programme reached nearly 120,000 adolescent girls and women. Changes reported include improved class performance due to  increased support from parents, as well as higher enrollment  and retention rates.

Through their sensitization on reproductive health efforts under outcome 3 the programme reached over 141,000 women and increased women’s reproductive health seeking behavior, with over 52,000 women having received voluntary counseling and testing. In addition 982 health extension workers and health facility staff received training on Reproductive health, HIV and other gender related issues.

As a result of outcome 4 over 13,000 households reported an increase in savings and/or access to credit. 8,000 women received credit for income generating activities (IGAs) together with follow up support. Beneficiaries reported enhanced capacity to contribute to their children’s education and to buy household essentials like food and clothing, some were even able to buy new family homes.

Outcome 1:

Increased enjoyment of human rights at the grassroots level through strengthened government efforts in the promotion and protection of human rights and community empowerment with special emphasis on adolescent girls and women.

Outcome Achievements:

• The JP reached out to over 51,000 community members to engage in regular dialogue in order to increase awareness and affect attitudes towards girls and women and prevent harmful practices.
• Some of the resulting achievements  include condemnation and action against harmful practices, such as the report and interruption of 497 child marriages and 1,500 FGM (female genital mutilation) cases.

Outcome 2:

Regional efforts to strategically address gender disparities in literacy and educational attainment, sexual and reproductive health services and gender based violence (GBV) are strengthened.

Outcome Achievements:

• Mobilization of life and skills facilitators and trainees for alternative basic education.
• Direct support through exercise books, pens, pencils, erasers and other materials.
• Facilitated sessions on life skills, reproductive health, HIV/AIDS, and legal rights.

Outcome 3:

Strengthened women and girls’ right claiming capacity  information and services for sexual and reproductive health, HIV/AIDS and addressing GBV.

Outcome Achievements:

• The programme equipped health centers and posts with maternal health related medical supplies/equipment.
• Over 52,000 women received voluntary counseling and testing.
• Supported regional plans by providing integrated refresher training for 982 health extension workers and health facility staff on reproductive health, HIV and gender issues.

Outcome 4:

Target women and their family members enjoy improved and sustainable livelihoods with increased income, improved food nutrition security and enhanced resilience.

Outcome Achievements:

• Provided training of trainers for technical personnel on facilitating IGA training for women and girls.
• Provided agriculture tools and training.
• Developed a saving and credit scheme which provided credit for 8000 women  for IGAs, in addition to providing technical support  and follow up.
• Enhanced the capacity of adolescent girls and women to contribute to their children’s education, to pay hostel fees for children attending school away from home, buying of household essentials like food and clothing, and even new houses in some cases.

Best Practices:

• Integrated approach where all components of the JP were implemented with  the same target group strengthening impact.
• Aligning development programmes with existing government development priorities and working mechanisms and structures.

Lessons Learned:

• Existence of well-organized and functioning programme management committees is of high importance to effectively coordinate a multi-sectoral JP.
• Commitment and ownership among key stakeholders  and implementers as well as beneficiaries is crucial for successful implementation.
• Promoting volunteerism Is vital when running  community based interventions.
• Educational materials and teaching aid materials play a significant role in attracting adolescent girls and women to education.
• Educating mothers promotes regular primary education for their children.
• Enabling women to acquire basic numeracy and literacy skills has a direct impact on their income generating activities.

More details can be found in the documents below.