Here are some examples of YWCA programs in Africa:

Female Genital Mutilation program, YWCA of Kenya

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), about three million girls are at risk of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Africa each year.

The YWCA of Kenya challenges the practise of FGM through awareness and advocacy actions in regions with high rates of FGM.

The program delivers educational seminars through existing women’s and youth groups in Kenya, including a weeklong training called the “Alternative Rite of Passage seminar”. The seminar covers information on sexual and reproductive health education, FGM awareness knowledge, demystifying myths about FGM, the effects of FGM, legal implications and information on children’s rights and protection from FGM. 

As part of their strategy to raise awareness of the impact of FGM on young women and girls, the YWCA of Kenya partners with government, churches and schools. The YWCA of Kenya also uses media and public campaigns to address the issues and has develop anti FGM messages such as “Say no to Female Genital Mutilation” that are disseminated through t-shirts, caps, posters and wrapping.


Supporting HIV and AIDS caregivers in Sierra Leone, YWCA of Sierra LeoneYWCA of Sierra Leone

The YWCA of Sierra Leone actively supports the caregivers of people living with HIV and AIDS.

In Sierra Leone, as in many other countries, most caregivers are women between ages 16 and 60. Many are widows and girls and are often taken out of school to be caregivers, effectively stopping their education.

The YWCA of Sierra Leone supports caregivers in a number of ways. Caregivers earn incentives and are allocated land for farming. They also receive nutritional support and educational support for their children in the form of school fees, uniforms, books, and lunch money.

The YWCA of of Sierra Leone also undertakes sensitisation and outreach programs in local languages for caregivers on issues of sexual and reproductive health and rights and HIV and AIDS so that they are better informed about the work they do. Caregivers are also trained in counselling to help support the person they are caring for, who in many cases will face stigma in their local community.