Age-appropriate family planning and “mobile nurses”

In Ethiopia, one in three young people between the ages of 15 and 19 has an unmet need for contraceptives. This is often because family planning counselling is not tailored to young people. Young people who ask about contraception are often shamed. Many adolescents, especially in rural areas, do not know who they can turn to confidentially with their questions. This project helps to solve these issues.

So-called “youth-friendly clinics” are set up in a total of five DSW youth empowerment centres. The focus of these youth friendly clinics is counselling and access to contraceptives. Trained nurses also administer long-term contraception such as hormone implants and injections directly here on request. Even though many contraceptives are primarily suitable for women, the services are equally aimed at young men as testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases is also possible at the clinics. Discretion and a lot of privacy give the young people security and take away their shame and fear. The clinics are supplemented by mobile nurses who travel to rural areas. Therefore even young people who live far away from the clinics are able to receive the services.

Miriam Riechers

Key activities

Equipment of clinic rooms

Youth-friendly equipment of clinic rooms in youth empowerment centres

Training of specialised personnel

Training of nurses (mobile and non-mobile) and peer educators in youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services.

Training for contraceptives

Training of nurses (mobile and non-mobile) in modern family planning methods such as the contraceptive pill, three-month injections, IUDs and emergency contraception.

Health offers

Adolescent health services and mobile sexual and reproductive health services for young women in the communities close to the clinics.

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Efficient, as administrative costs are low

Plannable support for young people

Project

POWER

POWER (Providing Opportunities for Women in Entrepreneurship & Reproductive Health), is a new start-up accelerator project, which was first implemented in Uganda by Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevölkerung (DSW) in collaboration with our partner, Action 4 Health Uganda (A4HU). POWER is a transformative initiative that aims to empower women entrepreneurs (18-30 years) and foster the creation of innovative businesses that will positively influence the supply and demand of family planning and sexual and reproductive health and rights (FP/SRHR) information, services, and products. By focusing on the intersection of entrepreneurship and start-up growth, reproductive health, and technology, the project has achieved remarkable success during its pilot phase and has ambitious plans for further expansion into 2025.

Given the impact achieved in Uganda, DSW is now expanding POWER to Tanzania in 2024.This initiative will align with the countries national framework ‘Vision 2025’ strategy, aimed at addressing socio-economic challenges. Offering comprehensive in-person and online training, the accelerator has been designed to equip women-led start-up owners with vital skills, mentorship/coaching, and leadership development, which also includes the development of an alumni-network to ensure continued support and network expansion. Similar to POWER in Uganda, the accelerator also integrates with DSW’s youth clubs and Youth Empowerment Centres, ensuring sustainability of the approach and development of future, locally driven enterprises for reproductive health.

Join us in shaping a future where POWER empowers women leaders, transforms communities, and drives local, sustainable change!

Joan Patience

Sumayyah Nakimuli Sengendo

Natukunda Sharon

Rebecca Florence

Evelyn Logose

Mary Yaar

Vickie Sharon

Babirye Angel

Edith Atim

Fatuma Imanet

Maureen Kamara

Winnie Nabukeera

Have we sparked your interest?

For more information about this pilot and its potential, reach out to project manager Shane.

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Shane O’Halloran

Head of Digital Transformation & Business Development Unit

Telephone: +49 (0)30 240006917
Email: shane.ohalloran[at]dsw.org

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POWER ENTREPRENEUR: ANGEL BABIRYE, US FOR GIRLS

Blog | 08. December 2023

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: The POWER to Transform Family Planning in Uganda

Meet Angel Babirye, A.K.A Malaika, CEO for Us for Girls, a new social enterprise in Uganda that is part of the POWER family (Providing Opportunities for Women in Entrepreneurship and Reproductive Health). POWER is a new startup accelerator partnership funded by DSW and led by Action for Health Uganda. The program focuses on providing training, capacity development, and mentoring to women entrepreneurs in Uganda aged 18 to 30. The primary aim of which is in the empowerment of these young women towards the development of sustainable businesses in the fields of family planning and sexual reproductive health and rights (FP/SRHR)

‘Us for Girls’ is dedicated to radically improving menstrual hygiene management for young women in- and out-of-school in some of the poorest districts in Uganda. Angel is a health professional in the field of nursing and a final year student at Mbarara University of science and technology currently doing her medical internship at Mulago referral hospital in Kamapala the Capital city of Uganda. She is a youth activist, social entrepreneur, and an ambassador of ‘Love your Period Campaign’ in partnership with Love your Period, Wales in the UK. Recently she won the ‘Rights and Social Action Project of the Year’ award for the work across Wales, in partnership with Molly Fenton, founder of Love your Periods.

The Us for Girls company was initially started in 2021 with a team of four medical students with the aim helping girls to, not only remain in school, but to reach their fullest potential and thrive. Their vision is of society free from menstrual hygiene stigma. Us for Girls provides affordable Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) products and services tailored for adolescent girls and young women in both rural and urban settings. Collaborating with government agencies, academic institutions, development partners, and civil society organizations, the startup is dedicated to realizing its vision. In addition to their efforts with young school-going adolescents, they also empower women in the community by teaching them to craft safe, absorbent sanitary pads. This skill not only serves a vital health need but also provides a means for these women to generate income, thereby improving their livelihoods.

Can you share with us your journey to becoming an entrepreneur, and what inspired you to create a startup FP/SRHR sector?

During our fieldwork as students, we encountered young girls missing lessons, dropping out of school due to their inability to afford sanitary pads. Some were using rugs and clothes putting their lives in danger, while those who could afford were trading their bodies in exchange for money to buy sanitary pads and other basic essential needs. After witnessing the reality facing these young women, my team and I decided to start a social enterprise to support young girls and adolescents address periodic poverty and improve their livelihood through skilling for employment.

How has your participation in the POWER pilot project impacted your business and personal growth? Are there any specific skills or knowledge that you gained during the program that have been particularly valuable?

Through the POWER accelerator program, I learnt basic skills in fundraising, business pitching, planning, and building a sustainable winning team to drive my social enterprise. I started fundraising through hostels, selling menstrual tins and cups to raise funding to support vulnerable girls. Initially our idea was just to help without creating a business around it! However, POWER brought a business perspective that transformed our approach. They assisted in developing a comprehensive business plan, which we then successfully presented to potential donors, reshaping our strategic thinking in the process. In addition, I learnt skills in social marketing, segmentation, and networking, which have all contributed to the growth of our startup. It is due to this that we have diversified our service and product range to include production and sale of re-usable sanitary pads, skilling young women for employment, production of menstrual pamphlets to track their periods and access reliable SRHR information, and the sale of menstrual hygiene kits products, bags, cups, and disposable bins. We target schools, institutions, universities, health facilities and pharmacies, churches and other religious institutions with our services and products.

Could you describe the innovative solution or service your startup provides in the FP/SRHR sector? Specifically, how does it tackle a particular challenge or fill a notable gap in this field?

Our social enterprise, Us for Girls, offers menstrual hygiene management education, sexuality education, skilling in production of eco-friendly sanitary pads, periodic trackers and pamphlets, and disposable bins. These are critical to equipping girls and adolescents to remain in school with confidence and fight periodic poverty through skilling. This ensures improved school enrollment, retention and progression while creating employment opportunities for girls through production and sale of sanitary pads.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as a woman entrepreneur in Uganda, and how did the POWER pilot project help you overcome or navigate these challenges?

The biggest challenge on my journey towards becoming a women entrepreneur was how to find funding. Most investors want to fund NGOS, community based organizations, and other startups with more established structures, facilities, and experience in the field, so securing investment has been a big challenge. Access to modern equipment and quality raw materials for production of sanitary pads has been a challenge due to these funding gaps. Materials are very expensive and usually imported from Kenya. However, through POWER, I was able to link up with Wabibi Pads, Reproductive Health Uganda, and Love your Periods in Wales, who have all supported us with funding, technical support, and visibility.

Could you share a success story or a memorable milestone that you achieved during your participation in the POWER pilot project? How did it contribute to the growth and impact of your business?

Through networking and partnership building, I have been able to secure some funding and I have built sustainable partnerships with Reproductive Health Uganda, Love your Periods, Mbarara University of science and technology, and Wabibi Pads. We have established a collaboration with Reproductive Health Uganda, securing working spaces where we produce our menstrual hygiene products. These products are then sold to various institutions and clients.

How has the mentorship component of the POWER pilot project played a role in shaping your entrepreneurial journey? Were there any specific mentors or advisors who made a significant impact on your business development?

Through POWER I was mentored in investor pitching from professional mentors and acquired key insights in monitoring and evaluation of social enterprises. Through field exposure visits, I interacted with clients and expert entrepreneurs who motivated me to keep pushing forward with my ideas. This has shaped and kept me resilient amidst the ups-and-downs in starting a business such as this.

Building a network is crucial for entrepreneurs. Are there any specific partnerships or opportunities that have arisen as a result?

POWER developed a platform for interacting and meeting various stakeholder such as Wabibi Pads, Reproductive Health Uganda, the Together Alive Health Initiative (TAHI), and Love your Periods. These have supported visibility, funding, and social marketing. I am also proud to announce that we won the ‘Rights and Social Action Project of the Year’ award for the work we have done across Wales together with Molly Fenton, founder of Love your Periods. Through networking skills, we have built strong partnership with Mbarara University of Science and Technology and we are part of the period equality network, African Youth Adolescent network (AFYAN), and Pacis in Burundi.

As an entrepreneur, what is your long-term vision for your startup?.

We envision developing a sustainable social enterprise registered in Uganda with a vibrant business model and quality products to address menstrual hygiene management and education for adolescents living in vulnerable communities to improve school enrollment, retention, and progression through ending periodic poverty. We want to scale up our operations all over Uganda and later on at the international level.

What advice would you give to other aspiring women entrepreneurs who are interested in starting a business in the FP/SRHR sector? Are there any key lessons or insights you’ve gained that you would like to share?

My advice to aspiring women social entrepreneurs is to start from where you are – embrace your passion, love what you do, and dedicate time to build it to excellence. Don’t be sacred to start! Associate now with mentors and professionals to learn new trends in the industry while building a strong team with a common vision so as to drive your social enterprise to greater heights. Always research, use the rights tools and approaches to talk to clients to understand their needs and demands.

Looking ahead, what is your future for your startup? Do you have any new projects, expansions, or collaborations in the pipeline?

Us for Girls will continue to pursue new partnerships and sustain existing ones both nationally and internationally. We plan to improve our products based on client feedback and join sustainable networks with a common vision so as to grow our social enterprise. Our future is to register a company limited by guarantee to scale up operations and programs in Uganda and abroad. We aim to acquire three to five new machines, each costing approximately UGX 3,500,000 (921 EUR), to enhance our production of quality sanitary pads for the market. This expansion includes introducing innovative menstrual hygiene bags and kits. These products will be available for sale in all educational institutions and community safe spaces, integrating FP/SRHR commodities. The future is wide open!

Angel Babirye, through Us for Girls, has made significant strides in Uganda’s FP/SRHR sector. Her efforts in improving menstrual hygiene management and empowering young women showcase the transformative power of focused, collaborative entrepreneurship. Babirye’s journey with POWER highlights the potential for sustainable social impact in addressing critical health and educational needs.

Find out more about POWER here: https://www.dsw.org/en/power/

Have a question about POWER or would like a chat? Reach out to us!

Shane O’Halloran

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DSW Ethiopia Co-Hosts UNFPA-KOICA Donor Visits

Blog | 20. November 2023

The week-long high-level donor visits to DSW’s project have combined a number of activities beginning with an Annual Review Meeting (ARM) of stakeholders representing all UNFPA-supported projects in Dilla and Bule-Hora, located 294 km and 481 km south of the capital respectively . Following the two-day ARM co-hosted by DSW and UNFPA in Hawassa at the Rory Hotel on 6 – 7 November, the large group of team members from UNFPA, KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency) and DSW scheduled a series of watertight project tours, which split the events into six key activities in different locations.

The UNFPA team members led by Mr. Koffi Kouame, the country representative in Ethiopia and his deputy Mr. Taiwo Oluyomi and officials from KOICA Ethiopia, which includes its Country Director Mr. Lee Byunghwa have travelled a great length and took a close look at the project to determine the way forward. DSW Ethiopia was also represented by Country Director Feyera Assefa and his team members.

While Mr. Kouame cut short his trip from Yirgachefe to return back to Hawassa on 9 November 2023 to save time for his visit to another DSW project implemented in the Industrial Park, Feyera had to reschedule the arrangement and accompany the UNFPA official to Hawassa. Two members of DSW’s international team based in Hannover, Germany, Peter Kroll, Project Management Officer and Johanna Rosenwirth, Institutional Funding and Partnerships Officer, joined Mr. Kouame and Feyera to visit the workplace intervention at the Hawassa Industrial Park on Friday,  10 November.

The rest of the teams travelled further south as planned, spending another day on a study tour and interacting with project stakeholders and their activities in Bule-Hora.

In Dilla, Mr. Koffi Kouame was impressed by the commitment of the community and government stakeholders to the whole programme, as he listened to the welcome speech of Zinabu Wolde (PhD), Gedeo Zone Administrator, who praised the youth-focused intervention programme supported by UNFPA, funded by KOICA and implemented by DSW in partnership with the existing local government structures.

Further, Mr. Kouame pressed on the fact that the seeming trend in youth demographic bulge experienced by Ethiopia like those in the rest of Africa, the need for investment to get many of these youth to go to schools remains in a top tier development agenda. “This is the effort that KOICA is committed to in making a difference in the quality of life and sexual and reproductive health wellbeing of vulnerable youth. The productive future of young people depends on their ability and capacity to be empowered. That is why we needed to visit the project and observe the progress at this time of the year, when we can plan what to do in 2024 based on the lessons learned from these real-life situations,” the UNFPA official noted.

As the final leg of the field visit gathered momentum, each stakeholder recognised the benefits that so many young people have received through the support and funding of the projects under the UNFPA’s integrated program, which DSW has partnered  to implement over the past four years. In response to the expected final words from KOICA, which has been funding and technically supporting the programme through UNFPA, Mr. Lee Byunghwa, Country Director of KOICA Ethiopia, has described the programme, which his office has been steadfastly supporting since 2019, as a success story, as he has observed a strong sense of ownership and commitment to the programme by the community leaders and other key stakeholders who have readily shown interest to ensure sustainability.

“More directly, part of our mission in Ethiopia, says Mr. Lee, is to work bilaterally with the Ethiopian government to ensure, among other things, that the capacity of health care providers is strengthened and that relevant development programmes prioritised by the Ethiopian government are supported, as well as media campaigns to promote the family planning programme. It is also our responsibility to support and contribute to youth development efforts in Ethiopia,” the KOICA official stressed.

Feyera Assefa, the Country Director of DSW Ethiopia, drew a positive conclusion from these high-level field visits. The most important thing worth lauding is the technical experience being gained by our team through the strategic partnership DSW maintains with UNFPA. A well-coordinated and organised field visit such as this brought all stakeholder to a common platform for further partnerships. The outcomes of our past efforts so far can be translated into important inputs for the upcoming 2024 planning meeting.

In terms of the relevance of DSW’s work, four key takeaway emerged that were of interest to the donors. The first to be highlighted was the Women and Girls’ Friendly Space (WGFS). It was strongly recommended that the WGFS be linked with the One-Stop-Centre for enhanced service delivery. The second point was related to the youth friendly clinics (YFCs) found at the health centres, which should be further strengthened in aligning and linking them with the closest  grassroots community-based youth clubs.

During the debriefing, it was emphasised that the YFCs and the’ strong relationships of the youth clubs were seen as having the greatest impact on youth uptake of services.  The third point mentioned was the need for the research activities conducted by Bule-Hora and Dilla universities to provide evidence-based data relevant to the programme in order to support the project objectives. The final point focussed on developing a strategy to scale up the intervention by integrating the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) issues with the livelihood needs of the youth.

Funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the Integrated Adolescents and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Family Planning project was launched in March 2019 in partnership with technical support from UNFPA. For more than four years, the project has been reaching out to targeted communities in six districts across two zones in Gedeo (South region) and West-Guji (Oromia region).

Photos: private

DSW

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POWER Entrepreneur: Joan Patience Atuhaire, SimplyFP

Blog | 07. November 2023

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: The POWER to Transform Family Planning in Uganda

We recently had the privilege of speaking with Joan Patience Atuhaire, the Chief Executive Officer of SimplyFP, an innovative startup in Uganda that is part of a new initiative called POWER (Providing Opportunities for Women in Entrepreneurship and Reproductive Health). POWER is a startup accelerator partnership funded by DSW and led by Action for Health Uganda. The program is designed to provide training, capacity development, and mentoring for twelve women entrepreneurs aged 18 to 30. The primary focus of POWER is to empower these young women to develop sustainable businesses in the fields of family planning and sexual reproductive health and rights (FP/SRHR).

Joan is a psychologist by profession, social entrepreneur, and youth activist in the field of FP/SRHR and a graduate of Community Psychology from Makerere University. SimplyFP is an on-demand application that provides accurate information about family planning products, contraceptives, and essential health services packed in one kit referred to as “Safe Pleasure Kits”. SimplyFP aims to dispel misinformation about family planning and counteract harmful cultural beliefs. Joan is driven by her vision of a world where all Ugandans can conveniently access FP/SRHR products to serve their different needs. She strongly believes in the power of choice and the potential that digital solutions hold in promoting access to FP/SRHR services for young people. Her customers are Ugandan youth; adolescents that are curious and in need of supportive structures to help her/him make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health needs and rights. Her startup enables users to ask questions about FP/SRHR and receives real-time responses from all health facilities and professionals, including delivery of ‘Safe Pleasure Kits’ and other products at their doorsteps.

Q1: Can you share with us your journey of becoming an entrepreneur and what inspired you to start a business in the family planning and sexual reproductive health and rights sector?

Joan: My journey of becoming a social entrepreneur in the field of FP/SRHR started way back in 2020 when I lost a relative (my aunty) while she was giving birth just because she didn’t want to use contraceptives as we come from a strong Catholic background. I was also driven by passion while working in the field with young people. Before and after school, I worked with various youth-focused organizations such as United Social Venture as an intern, Young Women Alliance for Human Rights as programs officer, and My Musawo, as Director of operations. It’s from these exposures that I felt the need to start up a social enterprise that acts as a one-stop centre for accessing FP/SRHR services and other essential health services in Uganda with a focus on safe pleasure kits, condoms, contraceptives, sexual wipes, menstrual hygiene products, among others. During my field exposures, I learned skills in pitching and working with young people, so I kept on looking out for opportunities with accelerator programs in the field of FP/SRHR but in vain until I landed on one advertised by Action for Health Uganda and DSW in partnership with Capital Solutions. I applied and was enrolled in the program. At this point that I felt my dream was coming true because I had the idea but lacked basic information on FP/SRHR.

Q2: How has your participation in the POWER pilot project impacted your business and personal growth? Are there any specific skills or knowledge that you gained during the program that have been particularly valuable?

Joan: To me, the POWER accelerator program was an enabler because it helped me shape my business all the way to fruition. I initially had just an idea in my head but didn’t know how to start and turn it into a business. Through the POWER accelerator, I understood the FP/SRHR industry, and I was able to shape and refine my business idea tailored to this sector. It’s at this point that I learned the skills in business planning, networking, and building sustainable partnerships and started building a digital platform called ‘Mokap’ in partnerships with Makerere University. I pretested it and started on-boarding users. I also learned skills in mobilizing resources, and I have used these skills well to secure 5,000 USD from Drake University in the USA to develop a website and refine the app. We also plan to open a physical SRHR shop in Uganda next year.

Q3: Can you tell us about the innovative solution or service your startup offers in the FP/SRHR sector and how it addresses a specific challenge or gap?

SimplyFP offers accurate and reliable SRHR information and family planning products to end-users who access the app. Clients are linked with service providers and healthcare providers at just a click of a button. The app addresses unmet needs in FP/SRHR by addressing the stigma related to fear in accessing commodities such as condoms, contraceptives, and safe pleasure kits for both men and women while ensuring that accurate information on SRHR is provided to youth at their convenience.

Q4: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as a woman entrepreneur in Uganda, and how did the POWER pilot project help you overcome or navigate these challenges?

The biggest challenges I faced on the journey of social entrepreneurship have been access to the market, legal restrictions on selling modern contraceptives in Uganda which require certification and licensing by the National Drug Authority and Allied Medical Professional Council, securing investment for a startup that has not been in operation for two or more years, and drawing a line between social impact and business which can become challenging as you could find yourself drained into charity work due to limited funding. There is no legal framework supporting startups in Uganda, and this affects the environment under which startups can thrive. However, through POWER, I gained skills in mobilizing resources. I have succeeded in securing 5,000 USD from Drake University in the US, got exposure with the Mandela Fellowship Program and US Mission in Uganda. Through the Social Entrepreneurship Forum, we are pushing for a policy for startups in Uganda, and a technical working group has been established to spearhead advocacy efforts with decision-makers.

Q5: Could you share a success story or a memorable milestone that you achieved during your participation in the POWER pilot project? How did it contribute to the growth and impact of your business?

Through POWER, I continued conducting market research on the basic needs and client feedback, which has helped me shape SimplyFP. We have successfully developed and tested the app and got an opportunity to demonstrate it with the US Embassy in Uganda. We have expanded our product range from contraceptives to maternal and child health, men and women safe pleasure kits, and include bi-directional referrals for critical adolescent health services. In addition, we have established and nurtured partnerships with various stakeholders in Uganda and abroad, such as Drake University and the Mandela Fellowship Program in the USA. I was also able to register SimplyFP in the USA as a Limited Liability Company in partnership with Drake University and Pope John Drake Business Clinic.

Q6: How has the mentorship component of the POWER pilot project played a role in shaping your entrepreneurial journey? Were there any specific mentors or advisors who made a significant impact on your business development?

POWER exposed me to mentors such as Dr. Joyce Tamale, the CEO of Capital Solutions, Sarah Kintu, the CEO of Action4 Health Uganda, and Madam Bernadette of Wabibi Pads. These mentors were inspirational in sharing their life testimonies on the journey of social entrepreneurship and the FP/SRHR industry. I got to know that I cannot move this journey alone; we need mentors, coaches, and advisors. These keep energizing me whenever I feel like giving up.

Q7: Building a network is crucial for entrepreneurs. How has the POWER pilot project helped you establish connections and collaborations within the FP/SRHR ecosystem in Uganda? Are there any specific partnerships or opportunities that have arisen as a result?

POWER provided a platform to meet different people with various expertise to shape my ideas to fruition in the field of FP/SRHR. POWER initiated us into an alumni network and linked us to various players in the field of social entrepreneurship, academia, civil society, and the private sector. During the pitching event, we met with potential donors and government ministries and shared our ideas. This marked the beginning of networking, and I am proud to say I have now established so many networks in Uganda and abroad, registering Simply FP in the USA, Drake University, Mandela Fellowship Program, Maries Topes, Uganda Health Marketing Group (UHMG), DKT, and RHU.

Q8: As an entrepreneur, how do you envision your business contributing to the advancement of family planning and sexual reproductive health and rights in Uganda? What is your long-term vision for your startup?

SimplyFP envisions contributing to shaping a new landscape in FP/SRHR in Uganda by promoting convenient access to and utilization of family planning products, SRHR information by establishing a one-stop physical shop to supplement the online app. This journey will start with building a strong team to push this vision. The good news is we are refining our product and service mix based on client feedback. In January 2024, we shall be launching our online shop to increase our market and be part of the global supply chain for SP and SRHR products in Uganda. We want to establish a safe pleasure shop in Kampala, Mbarara, and Mbale cities to allow walk-in clients to take orders and deliver quality and affordable SRHR/FP products, including modern contraceptives. From this, we shall go international, targeting Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya.

Q9: What advice would you give to other aspiring women entrepreneurs who are interested in starting a business in the FP/SRHR sector? Are there any key lessons or insights you’ve gained along your journey that you would like to share?

Get pillars of support right from your family to well-wishers to mentors and coaches. I had to leave my well-paying job to dedicate time to building my social enterprise, and I don’t regret that because now I see the future bright. I encourage women and girls out there who would like to walk the journey of social entrepreneurship to seek responsible and meaningful partnerships, continuous professional development, exposure to mentors, evolve considering new knowledge, understand and work on your limiting space, and understand that no situation is permanent. Hold each other’s hand because no one is an island; we need each other to keep pushing.

Q10: Looking ahead, what is your future for your startup? Do you have any new projects, expansions, or collaborations in the pipeline?

SimplyFP will be launching a website and a physical FP/SRHR brick-and-mortar shop to serve its clients, especially the student demographic. We plan to pre-test an actual FP/SRHR shop in Uganda. We shall continue building new partnerships locally and internationally with Drake University, Angel Investors, SRHR partners, and accelerator and incubator programs. We shall continue to pitch to potential donors to secure extra resources to scale up our social enterprise and maximize impact.

Joan Patience Atuhaire’s remarkable journey epitomizes the strength of dedication and the potential for transformative change through social entrepreneurship. Her unwavering commitment to empowering women and youth in her community is a beacon of inspiration. Joan’s story reminds us that with determination and innovation, we can reshape the landscape of family planning and sexual reproductive health, fostering a healthier and more prosperous future for everyone in Uganda and beyond.

Find out more about POWER here: https://www.dsw.org/en/power/

Have a question about POWER or would like a chat? Reach out to us!

Shane O’Halloran

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DSW and UNFPA Merge Efforts in a Renewing Spirit of Partnership

Blog | 25. October 2023

At the behest of UNFPA, DSW hosted a half-day study tour of its project implemented at the Bole-Lemi Industrial Park (BLIP) in Addis Ababa on October 20, 2023. The newly assigned UNFPA’s country representative in Ethiopia, Koffi Kouame accompanied by his deputy Taiwo Oluyomi and other members of UNFPA’s team took time to do the study tour of DSW’s workplace intervention, which has been technically and financial supported by UNFPA. In a renewing spirit of partnership, the new country representative has reassured the commitment by UNFPA to the existing conjoined efforts with DSW for enhancing the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) wellbeing of youth at the workplaces.

When asked whether DSW’s project was the first to be visited during his six months in his new role at UNFPA Ethiopia, Mr. Kouame affirmed and  he emphasized that the development needs of young people in Ethiopia are a priority. “Young people are today’s leaders much more as they will be in the future. It is a conventional gambit in the broader strategic development goal to invest in youth and expect sustainable outcome worth the efforts. That is why UNFPA’s support to DSW for undertaking an integrated SRH/FP (family planning) and GBV (gender-based violence) program has targeted working youth in an industrial park setting such as one like Bole-Lemi in which more than twenty-four thousand young people make up the workforce. The arrangement for making my first study-tour of a project in Ethiopia implemented by DSW was scheduled based on this rational,” said the UNFPA country representative.

Feyera Assefa, Country Director of DSW Ethiopia, acknowledged UNFPA’s steadfast commitment to strategic development programs in the country and the long-span of partnership maintained with DSW that continues to renew the spirit which has benefited young people in terms of empowering them to for better future. In partnership with UNFPA, DSW embarks on the workplace intervention initially focusing on the industrial parks in Bole-Lemi and Hawassa since 2019. “Considering that more than 85 percent of the workforce in Bole-Lemi Industrial Park (BLIP) are under the age of 25, DSW has strategised to mainstream youth-friendly service provisions at the workplaces, including those of the BLIP and the Hawassa Industrial Park (HIP). Lately, with the introduction of the Minimum Service Package (MSP) to the workplaces by the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH), the health benefits among working youth are set to be measured with not only the increased demand for the service provision but also by relatively enhanced access to youth-friendly services,” Feyera remarked.

A study published (2021) by Science Direct, a global platform for peer review literatures indicates that despite policy initiative and strategic measures intent on enhancing the uptake of service provision for SRH needs of youth in Ethiopia, utilisation remains low relative to the rate of demand. Furthermore, according to the study, this fact was quantitatively supported based on the indicator of Ethiopia’s pooled prevalence of utilization on the youth-friendly SRH services that stood at nearly 43 percent. Measuring the aforementioned fact in comparison to the potential workforce age ranging from 15 to 64 in Ethiopia constitutes about 57 percent of the population (Horst Stipp of the Research Foundation at Statista, 2022).

“While thinking about a youth-friendly service in Ethiopia, it quickly reminds me of my past experience and how I came about to decide switching a career occupation,” recounts Dagmawit W/Agegnehu (M.D), project officer at DSW Ethiopia during her brief presentation of the project’s background information.

Noting that being a trained medical doctor, “I spent a number of years as a general practitioner and have observed pregnant girls, who in their early teenage years had already bore four or five babies, and suffered from serious pregnancy-related medical conditions in the absence of a youth-friendly service provision, often most had no prior information or knowledge about their bodies and  sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR). My experience as a medical practitioner directly influenced my decision for a career change in which I could best serve adolescents and youth as an advocate of SRHR issues. My past one year experience with DSW is self-evident of the impact of SRHR utilisation in a youth-friendly manner at the industrial parks. I witness how the young girls from the workplace seeking SRHR services and they do so often time with an informed attitude,” Dr. Dagmawit enthuses her compassionate about the practicality of expanding the youth-friendly SRHR service provision at the workplace intervention.

Impressed by the ongoing activities observed at the study-tour, where members of the peer-education groups demonstrated a sense of empowerment at the brief discussion held with the UNFPA officials, Mr. Kouame posed a series of curious questions such as “what more can UNFPA do to reach out and support the youth at their workplaces and how can it work to scale up the capacity for further mobilization of a greater number of youth working in the industrial parks?”

While appreciating the renewed commitment displayed by UNFPA and suggestively initiated further discussion in order to make comprehensive answers to the strategic questions raised by the UNFPA official, Feyera emphasized the inclusion of the main government stakeholders such as the Federal Ministry of Health, among others.  He also highlighted the objectives of the intervention, which not only supported working youth to benefit from the project through access to SRHR services and protection from GBV, but also empowered them as champions of development practices.The half-day study-tour took place at the project site in Bole-Lemi Industrial Park, one of the three workplace intervention areas of DSW supported by UNFPA. The two other project sites are in Hawassa and the Adama Industrial Park. The two UNFPA officials, Koffi Kouame and Taiwo Oluyomi along with their strong country office team of entourage allowed themselves to pose for a large group photo upon the conclusion of the study-tour event.

DSW

For a self-determined and healthy life

We are working towards a world where all young people – especially girls and young women – can live free from disease and make self-determined decisions through unrestricted access to sexuality education, health services and modern contraceptives.

We are committed to ensuring that sexuality education is not a privilege but a universal right. We firmly believe that education and knowledge are the basis for empowerment. By providing young people with access to comprehensive information and education, we give them the tools to make informed decisions about their sexuality, health and lives. Promoting the health and empowerment of young people – especially girls and young women – is not only an act of justice, but also a step towards a world where everyone has equal opportunities and the chance to reach their full potential.

Why this is important to us

Every

23 minutes

a girl under the age of 18 is married off.

More than

200 million

girls and women worldwide are affected by female genital mutilation.

257 million

Complications during pregnancy and childbirth as well as unsafe abortions are the most common causes of death among girls aged

15-19.

If all women and girls had access to reliable modern contraceptives, the number of unintended births would fall by

23 million

per year – that is more than a quarter of the current annual population growth.

12 million

girls under the age of 18 are married every year. For comparison: In Germany, around 400,000 couples get married every year.

AIDS

is still one of the leading causes of death among young people in Africa.

Our mission

Active on the ground

We provide young people in East Africa with access to youth-friendly health services. We work with partners in multi-sectoral approaches to address sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) challenges and improve the lives of young people.

Sexuality education and contraception

We work with young people to raise their awareness of sexual and reproductive health and gender equality, and to ensure they have access to modern contraceptives.

Commitment to global health

To ensure that young people in East Africa and around the world have access to good quality, needs-based health services and that poverty-related diseases are finally eradicated, we advocate at the policy level for investment in global health and research and development for poverty-related and neglected diseases.

Demanding and promoting political dialogue

Youth need support at the highest level. We work with policymakers to give young people a voice and to secure political and financial support for youth-friendly health services and their integration into health policy.

Nine out of ten of the world’s 1.8 billion young people live in countries where poverty prevails.

Every donation counts.

25 €
1000 €

What you can do

Together we can strengthen young people’s sexual and reproductive rights! Your donation will enable us to promote sexuality education, health services and access to contraception for young people. Every contribution counts to strengthen young people’s empowerment and health

Support our work for a world where young people can make their own choices about their future. Donate now for sexual and reproductive rights – for a better, more equal future for all.

What we’re also working on

Global Health

The right to health is a universal human right and the basis for people to lead self-determined lives.

Health research and development

In many countries, there is not only a lack of healthcare, but also a lack of prevention, diagnosis and treatment services.

Self-determined family planning

If women could exercise their right to self-determined family planning, the number of unintended pregnancies would fall by 70 percent.

Female genital mutilation

Worldwide, 200 million women are affected by female genital mutilation, a ritual that continues in many countries despite being banned. It endangers the health and lives of those affected.

Our work on the ground

We work directly with young people on projects in four East African countries.

Tanzania

DSW Tanzania is a Country Office of the global development organisation Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevölkerung (DSW). DSW Tanzania’s Head Office is in the Arusha Region, as well as liaison offices in Dar es Salaam, Mbeya and Dodoma. DSW Tanzania’s vision is for a healthy and sustainable Tanzania in which all young people can realize their full potential. To unleash this potential, DSW empowers young people, creates an enabling environment and fosters inclusive and meaningful participation. 

To achieve this, we are working with various measures:

– The establishment and strengthening of youth clubs, as well as capacity building in prevention of gender-based violence (GBV), life skills, reproductive health (RH), entrepreneurship and leadership.

– The establishment of Youth Empowerment Centre (YECs) and Safe Space for Girls as hubs for exchange and knowledge sharing in the areas of gender-based violence (GBV), economic activities, referrals, linkages and reproductive health.

– Building the capacity of civil society organizations to ensure effective implementation of programmes in regards to policies, guidelines and priorities of Tanzania for youth development.

DSW has been part of the development and contributes to national policies, strategies and guidelines including national youth development policy, the National Acceleration Investment Agenda for Adolescent Health and Wellbeing (NAIA-AHW) 2021/22-2024/25; National Family Planning Coasted Implementation Plan 2019-2023; National Life Skills Manual; Health Sector Strategic Plan (HSSP) (July 2021- June 2025; The National Road Map Strategic Plan to Improve Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn Child and Adolescent Health and Nutrition (RMNCAH+ N) – One Plan III (2021- 2025) to mention a few.

We are a learning organisation collaborating with sectoral ministries aligned with youth sector.

Peter Owaga, Country Director DSW Tanzania

Our team in Tanzania

Peter Owaga

Country Director DSW Tanzania

Telephone: +255 736 555 020
Email: dsw@dswtz.org

Winnie Muine

Programme Manager

Telephone: +255 736 555 020
Email: dsw@dswtz.org

Antony Kagali

Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator

Telephone: +255 736 555 020
Email: dsw@dswtz.org

Helena Arbogast

Human Resource and Administration Coordinator

Telephone: +255 736 555 020
Email: dsw@dswtz.org

Blog

Newsroom

Sexual and reproductive self-determination

Sexuality education and access to modern contraceptives

The right to bodily autonomy is a human right that many people, especially women, are still being denied. It is a central component of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and a key element in the struggle for gender equality. It is a cornerstone of individual freedom and dignity, ensuring that everyone has control over their own bodies, sexual choices and reproduction without fear of coercion, violence, or discrimination. This right is becoming increasingly restricted in many countries today, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where it challenges deeply rooted patriarchal structures.

The background

257 million* women worldwide have an unmet need for modern contraceptives

One in four women of reproductive age are unable to decide for themselves if, when, with whom and how many children to have. They do not want to get pregnant, but have no means of contraception. According to a 2018 study by the Guttmacher Institute, 24 percent of women of reproductive age in sub-Saharan Africa have an unmet need for modern contraception. In West Africa, the figure is 36 percent.

39 million people were living with HIV and AIDS

AIDS is a severe disease that targets the immune system, caused by the HI virus. It particularly affects men who have sex with men as well as women of all ages. Worldwide, every second new HIV infection is a woman (2023). In numerous regions of sub-Saharan Africa, young women (aged 15-24) remain up to three times more susceptible to infection than men of the same age. Widespread prevalence of other sexually transmitted infections, directly linked to HIV, exacerbates gender and other inequalities, contributing to violence, stigma, and discrimination. Ultra-conservative laws violate the human right to sexual self-determination and impair people’s ability to fully protect themselves.

121 million* unintended pregnancies every year

Every second pregnancy worldwide is unintended. In low-income countries, one in four women does not use modern contraception, even when they want to prevent pregnancy. This is due to concerns about side effects, irregular sex, a partner’s negative attitude towards contraception and often inadequate supplies.

34.4 births per 1,000 inhabitants in sub-Saharan Africa

The average birth rate in sub-Saharan Africa surpasses that of other global regions, posing substantial economic, educational, and socio-economic challenges for these countries. First-time mothers in the region are much younger than in other regions of the world. One in ten girls there have their first child between the ages of 15 and 19 (UNFPA 2023). Granting young people, particularly young women, early access to information on sexuality and contraception can prevent unintended pregnancies, enhance family planning, and foster economic and political participation.

No right to sexual self-determination for many women

Traditional gender roles and social norms severely limit the sexual empowerment of girls and women in some regions of sub-Saharan Africa. Control over one’s own body, access to health services and the right to a safe abortion are all part of reproductive self-determination. Every year, 5.1 million women require emergency medical care as a result of unsafe abortion. For girls aged 15-19, complications during pregnancy and childbirth are the leading cause of death – often as a result of unsafe abortion.

One of our key goals is to inform young people about the importance of making their own decisions, contraception and family planning. They should be able to decide for themselves if, when and with whom they want to have children. As part of our initiative, we are expanding our services to offer young people a comprehensive platform for one-stop access to sexuality education, counselling and modern contraceptives

Why young people in sub-Saharan Africa urgently need access to contraception and sexuality education

Sexual and reproductive rights are part of the individual dignity, freedom and self-determination to which every person is entitled. Comprehensive sexuality education, access to secondary education and gender equality are key to greater reproductive self-determination. According to United Nations projections, the population of sub-Saharan Africa will almost double from 1.4 billion today to 2.5 billion by 2050. Already today, a third of the population is between the ages of 10 and 24. The future of the region depends on these young people overcoming poverty, conflict, and hunger to live prosperous and peaceful lives. Countries like Bangladesh have shown that economic growth is possible when young people have access to health care, education and fair work opportunities. Government investment in these areas can accelerate socio-economic development while ensuring sustainable, rights-based population development. This includes ensuring that young people have age-appropriate access to sexuality education and contraception to avoid unintended pregnancies and the associated risks.

Sexual and reproductive health is a human right

In sub-Saharan Africa, young people – and girls in particular – continue to face widespread violations and denial of their human rights. In 1994, at the International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo, 179 governments adopted a Programme of Action that placed sexual and reproductive health and the reproductive rights of all people at the centre of population policy. A total of 179 countries committed to providing resources and appropriate information on sexual and reproductive health for all ages. Sexual and reproductive health and rights encompass all aspects of physical and mental well-being, emphasizing the freedom of choice regarding sexuality and family planning. These objectives have been recently reaffirmed by states in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming to reduce maternal mortality, combat HIV and AIDS, and enhance access to family planning and sexuality education. Young people play a central role in achieving these goals and are integral to the development of sub-Saharan Africa.

What we are committed to:

Self-determined

contraception and

family planning

Bodily autonomy – the right to decide if, when and with whom a woman decides to have children – is a human right. That is why we are committed to it.

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Rights-based, sustainable population development goes hand in hand with sexuality education, gender equality and secure access to modern contraception.

Age-appropriate sexuality education, menstrual hygiene and access to modern contraceptives are particularly important for adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa, as they have a wide range of positive effects on the health, well-being, and future prospects of these young people.

Firstly, comprehensive sexuality education gives young people a better understanding of their physical changes and sexual needs. Through education about sexual health, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and contraception, they learn how to protect themselves and minimise risks. This is crucial as sub-Saharan Africa still has a high rate of unintended pregnancies and STIs.

Secondly, access to contraceptives enables young people to take advantage of their educational and vocational opportunities, to use contraception in a self-determined and responsible manner, to organise their family planning together and to improve their economic situation independently.

Early and unintended pregnancies often mean that young girls have to drop out of school and their future prospects and financial independence are significantly impaired. By using modern contraceptives, they can continue their education, protect their health, pursue their careers and lead independent, financially self-sufficient and confident lives.

Thirdly, improved sexuality education and access to contraceptives help to reduce the number of new HIV infections. Young people in sub-Saharan Africa are particularly at risk of contracting HIV. The provision of condoms and education about safe-sex can help prevent infection and reduce the spread.

Overall, comprehensive sexuality education and access to modern contraceptives help to improve the health and well-being of young people in sub-Saharan Africa and give them the opportunity to realise their full potential. It is an investment in the future of this young generation and in the sustainable development of the entire region.

25 €
1000 €

Support us

Donate online – make a difference on the ground. Support our work and political dialogue for sexuality education and voluntary family planning with your contribution.

What we are committed to

Self-determined contraception and family planning

If women could exercise their right to self-determined contraception and family planning, the number of unintended pregnancies would fall by 70 percent.

For global health

The right to health is a universal human right and the basis for people to lead self-determined lives.

Economic participation

By combining education and training, we open up various opportunities for young people to earn an income, become financially independent and lead a self-determined life.

Against female genital mutilation

Harmful traditional practices such as female genital mutilation, early marriage and sexualised violence against girls and women are human rights violations. They must be consistently prosecuted and education and support for those affected must be promoted.

Kenya

DSW Kenya envisions a world where all youth – especially girls and young women – live free from disease and make independent and informed choices over their sexual and reproductive lives with full access to sexuality education, health services and modern contraceptives. 
We do this by advocating with policy makers for investment in domestic resources and policies for youth-friendly SRHR, through multisectoral approaches. 
Through the DSW Youth Empowerment Strategic Approach (YESA), and the Young Adolescent Empowerment Strategy (YAES), we work with young people to raise their awareness on sexual reproductive health and rights, gender equality and access to modern contraceptives and to strengthen their livelihoods. 
The DSW lifeyangu.com online platform provides access to accurate, reliable SRHR information to young people, and connects them to health facilities.

Nairobi Office

Hatheru Court | Hatheru Road (Lavington)

PO BOX 2438-00202, Nairobi

Tel. +254 20 3572302, +254 736 616491

Email: info@dswkenya.org

Mombassa Office

Sheetal Plaza | 5th Flr | Moi Avenue Mombasa

Tel: +254 772 099656

Email: info@dswkenya.org

Kitale Field Office

Africa Theological Seminary, Section 6 Estate | Waterworks Rd, Kitale

Tel: +254 772 099656

Email: info@dswkenya.org

“We must continue to ensure the needs of the youth are adequately considered in county and national development plans. After all, they are the single-largest demographic group in Kenya (34% are aged 10-24 years old)” 

Evelyn Samba, Country Director DSW Kenya

What we do

Our projects

Vijana Vuka na Afya (VIVA)

VIVA aims to improve the sexual and reproductive health outcomes and socio- economic well-being of Kenya’s youth aged 15- 24 years residing in informal settlements in Kisumu, Mombasa and Nairobi.

Youth For Health

Youth 4 Health seeks to enhance adolescent sexual reproductive health and rights in Kwale and West Pokot counties.

Reaching the Last Girl (RTLG)

RTLG aims at improving the health and wellness of Adolescent Mothers living with HIV and their children in Migori and Kilifi counties.

Linda Binti

Linda Binti aims at reducing the incidences and effects of unintended pregnancies on vulnerable teenagers aged 10-24 years in Nairobi’s Mathare and Korogocho informal settlements.

Stronger Community Organizations for Reproductive Equity (SCORE)

SCORE contributes to the advancement of policies, systems and practices that support SRHR, including access to and use of contraception, for women and girls in Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale and West Pokot counties. In addition, the project has a component of building the capacity of grassroot level SRHR-focused Youth-led organizations as advocates for SRHR.

Connect a Girl (CAG)

Connect a Girl strengthens the agency of women and girls to engage in collective action and participate in decision making processes to eliminate Sexual Exploitation and Violence in Kwale County.

Direct to Consumer (D2C)

D2C seeks to promote and deliver contraceptive services to youth in Gilgil and Njoro areas of Nakuru county. The outcome is increased youth awareness and demand for contraception services and increased uptake.

Youth Organised and Engaged Project (YOEP)

YOEP seeks to contribute to the national goal of harnessing youth potential to accelerate economic growth and achieve a demographic dividend.

Kenya School Life Skills Enhanced Delivery (SLED)

SLED secures adolescents’ SRHR by improving school systems to deliver life skills education to reduce the triple threat of teen pregnancies, HIV infections and SGBV.

Delivering Accurate Information and Services On SRHR, GBV and Harmful Practices to Young People (DAISY)

DAISY is a project aimed at increasing access to information and services on SRHR, GBV and harmful practices such as FGM and child marriages, by adolescents and young people. It is implemented in West Pokot, Samburu, Narok and Nairobi Counties as well as in four National Youth Service (NYS) Centres- Gilgil, Ruaraka, Naivasha and Kisumu. 

See all projects

Our team in Kenya

Evelyn Samba

Country Director DSW Kenya

Telephone: +254 20 3572302
Email: info@dswkenya.org

Judy Kariuki-Mukui

National Team Coordinator HR & Admin

Telephone: +254 20 3572302
Email: judy.kariuki@dswkenya.org

Josephine Adhiambo

National Teams Coordinator Finance

Telephone: +254 20 3572302
Email: josephine.adhiambo@dswkenya.org

Vitalis Mukhebi

National Department Manager Programmes and Projects

Telephone: +254 20 3572302
Email: vitalis.mukhebi@dswkenya.org

News from Kenya

See all news