Protection & Safety
Teens Up’s goal is for women and men to work together to bridge the divide of gender equality that still exists in Uganda. Both girls and boys should develop to full potential and not at the expense of another. Teens Up advocates for and encourages community members to uphold the rights and safety of both girls and boys. The Teens Up ACT Model and Theory of Change enhance the ability of teenage girls and boys to standup for their rights and those of others.
The telephone contact of Teens Up (+256774700700, also on WhatsApp) is fully available (24/7) for girls and boys to call or post queries for timely advice on where to sexual and reproductive health services and safety.
- 60% and 53% Ugandan females and males respectively experience physical violence since age of 15
- 39% and 11% Ugandan females and males respectively have ever experience sexual violence
a) Against Gender Based Violence
In Uganda, gender-based violence (GBV) against girls and boys through oppressive social and cultures practices still exists in forms of physical beating, sexual harassment and abuse, emotional abuse, child marriage, discrimination, female genital mutilation (FGM), sex trafficking and human trafficking. GBV hinders the development of girls and boys to full potential. Teens Up therefore empowers girls and boys to strongly resist and stand up against such practices. Community members and authorities are also sensitized on how to defend teenagers against such structural violence, and prevent, resist, report and strongly respond to GBV.
b) Gender Equality and Girls' Rights
Gender equality for girls and boys is not only a fundamental human right, but a precursor for sustainable development. Teenagers have a right to health, quality education and skills, and equal participation in political and economic decision-making for sustainable development. Through mentorships and sensitizations, Teens Up empowers girls and boys to be assertive and courageously champion gender equality and their rights at school, home and within communities. Family and community members are not left out in this, as they have to take on the role of encouraging and responding to gender equality and human rights.