Charity profile

WHO WE ARE
We envision a world where girls are empowered, enjoying their social, economic and political rights, and walking in the fullness of their potential.

Girl Child Network Uganda’s (GCN) mission is to support girls through educational empowerment, prevention of child rights violations, rehabilitation of abused girls and the promotion of girls’ talents.

GCN operates through the establishment of Girls Empowerment Clubs in schools and communities. The holistic approach used by GCN ensures that girls’ different needs are addressed. The most unique element of GCN is that its structure relies on Girls Empowerment Clubs that are run and managed by girls themselves. Many alumnae become implementers of similar initiatives in their own communities magnifying the impact and duration of our work. When we build strong Girls Empowerment Clubs and invest in girls’ leadership, it will last much longer and is spread out in various communities that GCN might not otherwise reach.

OUR KEY PROGRAMS
The Girls at Risk Program responds to the needs of girls who have experienced sexual violence and exploitation, while simultaneously building the capacity of girls and their communities to value girls’ rights, prevent sexual exploitation, and support exploited girls. GCN supports and protects survivors by providing one-on-one and group counselling, as well as a referral system for emergency, medical, and legal services. This program has reached more than 4,500 girls over the past 6 years.

The Opportunity Program provides financial training, start-up kits/micro-loans to girls who have no means to earn a living. Girls Empowerment Clubs maintain 100% of the management of their clubs after a year of mentorship and being trained on financial and business management skills. GCN Uganda has trained nearly 2,000 girls and young women and assisted many in their own businesses over 4 years.

The Women Role Models Program mobilizes successful female leaders and professionals in Uganda to engage with GCN to provide mentorship, leadership trainings, and financial support to Girls Empowerment Clubs. This program combines concepts of corporate social responsibility and youth empowerment by focusing on engaging women leaders to give back to youth through the investment of intellectual and financial resources.