Kids Club Kampala is giving girls safe spaces to gain gender equality

All year around, Kids Club Kampala is giving girls safe spaces to gain gender equality in Kampala’s slum communities.

At Kids Club Kampala, our mission is to transform children’s lives, empower communities, and reduce poverty throughout East Africa. As part of our Child Protection Programme, we run Girls Support Groups to provide safe spaces, tailored counselling, peer support, education, and free period products for girls aged 12-17 living in Kampala’s slum communities.

Our Girls Support Groups, led by local volunteers, take place every Saturday across 10 communities in Kampala. To date, we have reached over 7,900 girls and distributed more than 27,000 free period products.

For International Women's Day, we are reflecting on the meaningful impact our community-led projects have achieved so far. Here’s a closer look at what we give in order to help gain gender equality.
 

We give protection

Working in Kampala for almost 17 years, we have become aware of the unique issues that women and girls living in the slum communities face. These challenges include: menstrual stigma, high rates of sexual assault, forced marriage, early teen pregnancy, and limited access to medical care. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, many parents and community leaders requested further safeguarding support for children, after experiencing the growing need for further intervention in local communities.

Our weekly Girls Support Groups offer safe spaces, led by dedicated community safeguarding officers, who volunteer to facilitate activities and create supportive environments. Each of our volunteers is trained to identify children in particularly vulnerable situations, who may be experiencing abuse, neglect or exploitation. For children who require additional support, we also offer individual counselling and emergency safeguarding services.

Irene*, aged 14, said: "My father used to send me to the shops late at night. After I spoke to the volunteers at Kids Club, I was able to talk to him about my safety. I’m grateful for their guidance that has helped me feel safer and stronger."
 

We give resources

In Kampala’s slum communities, many girls are made to feel ashamed of their periods. Recent research shows that 70% of adolescent girls in Uganda feel menstruation is a significant barrier to their education (Days for Girls International, 2022). We aim to challenge menstrual stigma and break this cycle by giving girls the confidence to speak openly with their friends and families, fostering not only comfort in these conversations, but also a deeper understanding of healthcare.

Each month, we support hundreds of teenage girls to access free period products. In 2025 alone, 678 girls came along to our sessions and received free period products. At our Girls Support Groups, our volunteers provide practical guidance on how to use the products, ensuring girls have both the resources and knowledge they need to manage their periods with dignity.

Pia* shared: "At Kids Club, they help us girls, they give us pads. They also help us with other things we need."

Malaika* said: "I have learned so much, especially about how to manage my period and be proud of who I am."
 

We give education

Our group counselling sessions are designed to provide girls with accurate information while creating supportive spaces where they can feel comfortable asking questions. Our community safeguarding officers empower girls through education on topics such as early teen pregnancy, forced marriage, sex and personal security.

As a result of these sessions, we have seen girls leave with stronger self-esteem and greater resilience. They build supportive peer networks and develop strategies to stay safe within their communities, enabling them to navigate challenges together with improved confidence.

Tallulah*, aged 14, said: "I got peace in my heart through counselling, and even made an art piece for my mum during one of the arts and crafts sessions. My relationship with my mum has improved thanks to Kids Club."
 

We give role models

Many of our community safeguarding officers have grown up in the same slum communities as the children they support, which means the girls see trusted adults they can truly relate to and look up to. Alongside our volunteers, the older girls naturally become role models for the younger children. This creates a culture of positive role modelling, helping girls build meaningful connections and believe in their futures.

Ayo* said: "They encourage us not to lose hope. They always say: 'Be confident, trust yourself, and you can make it.' They give us strength."

Tallulah* said: "Kids Club is like a family to me. I can share everything with my Kids Club Kampala volunteers and talk to everyone in the group."
 

When we give, what is gained?

As we have seen in Kampala, investing in girls creates ripples of change that reach far beyond the individual. Providing girls with education, opportunities and essential resources empowers them to take charge of their futures and dream big. When girls have more confidence, they inspire those around them, sharing knowledge and offering support to their friends and families.

Over time, these effects extend to entire communities. By giving to girls today, we are building a more equitable future for them and for generations to come.
 

Will you help give, to gain positive outcomes for girls in Kampala?

Learn more about how Kids Club Kampala supports children and families across East Africa.

Help this nonprofit to empower more girls across East Africa through its Girls Support Groups by making a donation. Even a small donation can have a life-changing impact.

*Names have been changed