CAROLINA FOR KIBERA: EMPOWERING GIRLS AND WOMEN

THE CHALLENGE

Kibera is the largest slum in Nairobi and Africa. Most of Kibera’s residents live in extreme poverty, at under $1 per day.  Adolescent girls and young women face a variety of challenges regarding education, sexual health, livelihoods, and gender-based violence putting them at risk to social and economic vulnerabilities. They are exposed to unsafe sex, unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases including HIV. The lack of economic resources and agency increases dependency within sexual relationships and makes negotiation for safer sex practices difficult. In the long term, this leads to an increase in school dropout rates and increased poverty rates.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The BIC Corporate Foundation supports 3 initiatives:

1. Secondary school education scholarships for girls "Angaza" to develop leadership skills through mentorship, counseling, life skills development, tutoring, and career panels.
2. ICT training: basics of Computer training, graphic and web-design training and soft skills and personal development aspects.
3. Binti Pamoja Program (women empowerment program):  to develop personal leadership and build confidence through arts activities such as photography, drama, and dance. The program mentors and empowers girls with sexual and reproductive health education, as well as other critical training and life skills."