The story of G4G began with the founder realizing she needed to help others going through experiences similar to hers.
She didn’t want young people to go through what she had experienced. Due to a betrayal of love followed by cyberbullying orchestrated by someone she deeply loved, she became severely depressed and turned to substance abuse.
It is traumatizing to see one’s intimate photos trending online. I never thought I could recover from the trauma. The bullying and harassment that followed was unbearable. This depressing experience drove me to fight for justice and support other survivors of gender-based violence.
Girls For Girls Africa Mental Health Foundation was thus born to provide trauma-informed support, actively advocate against Technologically Facilitated Gender-Based Violence, and equally advocate for Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights.
Our work is based in the coastal communities of Kenya.
This region, while rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage, grapples with significant social and economic issues that disproportionately impact young women. Poverty fuels a cycle of vulnerability, where girls face a prevalence of Sexually Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) at a rate of 30% or higher. This trauma often intersects with a high rate of teenage pregnancy (reaching 18% in some areas). The high prevalence of drug abuse in Mombasa County creates an environment of instability and violence.
Adolescent girls in this region confront several challenges impacting their mental and sexual reproductive health (SRH).
Sexual exploitation, early pregnancies, and gender-based violence (GBV) paint a grim picture. According to the Federation of Woman Lawyers (FIDA), a vast spectrum of SGBV is prevalent, ranging from intimate partner violence to defilement and gang rape. Limited knowledge about reproductive health choices leads to the high prevalence of early pregnancies. A 2023 study by Lonnie Embleton et al. found low utilization rates of SRH services among adolescent girls.
Integrating mental health and SRH services in an encompassing manner embodies the core values and principles that define G4G Africa.
We offer an emblematic embodiment of the organization’s mission by undertaking a comprehensive approach that not only prioritizes emotional and mental well-being but also recognizes the fundamental interplay between psychological and physical health. We are committed to evidence-based, survivor-centred approaches that focus on the holistic health of the target population.
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