Gender Equality Project in Kakuma Refugee Camp

In Kakuma Refugee Camp, home to people from more than 24 nationalities, many girls still face discrimination rooted in harmful cultural beliefs and practices. These barriers limit their opportunities and make it harder for them to claim their rights.

The young people behind State of Youth Kakuma refused to accept that reality. Through their Gender Equality project, they brought girls, boys and community members together to start new conversations about equality. A series of workshops equipped girls with knowledge about their rights, the risks of forced marriage and sexual and reproductive health. At the same time, boys and men joined the discussion as allies, helping to challenge harmful stereotypes and create space for change.

The impact reached far beyond the workshops. One member of State of Youth Kakuma was invited to participate in a local government policy review on gender equality and gender-based violence. A powerful sign that the voices of young people are being heard and taken seriously in decision-making spaces.

The project also opened the door to new partnerships. State of Youth Kakuma joined forces with organisations including Girls Not Brides Kenya, Transforming Lives Alliance, The ORCHID Project and Nipashe Foundation. Together, they expanded their reach, strengthened their programmes and connected with more people across the community.

Change starts when young people see what can be better and take action. In Kakuma, they are doing exactly that. Every workshop, every conversation and every partnership brings them one step closer to a future where girls can grow, lead and thrive on their own terms.

Interested by this youth-led project? Learn more about State of Youth.