In Katagurukwa Village, Miirya Sub- County in Masindi District, many children face interruptions in their education due to poverty and lack of basic scholastic materials. For girls, these barriers are often compounded by unequal household responsibilities which expose them to heightened risks of early school dropout, child marriage and other forms of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
Shakila Kinihira’s story is one of resilience, defiance and hope against the odds. The 15-year-old learner was forced to drop out of Kinuuma Primary School while in Primary Six after her family could no longer afford essential scholastic materials. She remained at home for a year, increasing her vulnerability to exploitation and consequently, she began losing confidence in the possibility of ever returning to school. Shakila’s story changed through the Forum for Women in Democracy’s (FOWODE) community dialogues on the prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), implemented through the AWESOME Project. The Advancing Women’s Engagement: Strengthening Opportunities to Mobilize for Equality project focused on addressing structural inequalities and tackling the root causes of SGBV through strengthened community participation and responsive support mechanisms.
As part of this approach, FOWODE supported communities to develop and enforce by-laws aimed at curbing SGBV, while strengthening accountability among parents, caregivers and community leaders. This helped ensure that girls are protected from risks such as early marriage and exploitation and are supported to remain in school.
In Shakila’s case, Doreen Alinaitwe, an AWESOME project trained community facilitator, together with three community members, conducted a series of home visits and structured dialogues with Shakila and her parents. The engagements addressed the immediate barrier which was lack of scholastic materials, while also challenging attitudes and norms that often deprioritize girls’ education.
“I realized that Shakila still had the desire to learn; she only needed support and encouragement,” Doreen noted.
Through consistent counseling and family engagement, Shakila gradually regained her confidence and made the decision to return to school.
“I am ready to finish what I started and see how far my education can take me,” she says.
Shakila’s return to school demonstrates how FOWODE’s integrated approaches contribute to addressing the root causes of SGBV like early school dropouts. By keeping girls in school, strengthening family support systems and shifting community attitudes, vulnerabilities that often lead to violence and exploitation are reduced. Ultimately, these efforts contribute to securing the future of girls, like Shakila, helping them realize their potential and grow into responsible and confident women.
