Location: Kinyamaseke, Uganda

Key(s): Maternal and Reproductive Health, Education

Kinyamaseke Youth In Development, is a girls youth organization based in Uganda and formed in 2008 with the goal of breaking the domestic violence cycle created by social structures undermining the rights of girls. Thanks to the funds received from our “Love is the Highest Vibration” fundraiser in February, Rockflower has been able to fund this ongoing project that aims to combat the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among young girls by educating and advocating for their autonomy.

Currently in the Kasese District, 11.5% of the population is affected by HIV/AIDS, which is much higher than the national average of 7.5%. Most of the girls in the District have little or no education and are therefore unemployed. In order to meet their basic needs, they enter into marriages at a young age, with men who are not capable of supporting them. Some of these girls become victims of sex trafficking after being brought to large towns under the guise of traditional employment. Not only are they victims of abuse and sexual assault, but they are exposed to a number of STD’s including HIV/AIDS. Most are under 18 years old.

COVID-19 has led to an increase of young people being exposed to HIV/AIDS, and a decrease in those getting tested. There has been an increase in pregnancies and girls choosing not to return to school. Part of KYID’s lobbying will include convincing the government to allow pregnant girls to take their final exams. Currently, pregnant women and girls are not allowed to take the exams necessary to complete school, leaving them hugely disadvantaged simply because of their gender. KYID has identified a pipeline in which girls who were in school when the lockdown hit have since become pregnant, and are now not able to complete school, and are forced to earn an income for their families often by means of sex work, further exposing them to HIV/AIDS and contributing to the growing epidemic. 

Another facet of this project will involve making home visits to those with HIV/AIDS, learning more about their experience, and encouraging them to take the necessary medications. During the pandemic, the majority of those affected were unable to access healthcare, and many stopped taking their medication altogether. KYID plans to use the information they gather from home visits to lobby health providers, hospitals and the government to provide home based treatment and counseling. This will ensure that patients have access to the care they need in the event of another lockdown.

KYID is also aiming to prevent new infections of HIV/AIDS while advocating for women’s respect, freedom of speech, recognition and upholding their dignity as key members of the community. They will partner with local healthcare providers to target young girls, parents and local leaders to promote methods of prevention, the importance of getting tested and the necessity of those affected to take medication. Throughout this lobbying campaign they will perform educational plays and concerts to deliver their message. 

Through these actions, KYID will decrease the stigma around HIV/AIDS, provide access for young girls to finish school, provide the community a greater understanding, and ensure that those affected by HIV/AIDS will have access to at-home healthcare.

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