NEWS & UPDATES
Adolescent health classes have started! The classes are the focus of our work because education is the foundation for a healthy life. At SGUW however, we recognize girls need more than just health and safety information, they need guidance and support to grow their self respect, peer-to-peer community and leadership. So, we teach health and safety by teaching critical decision making, respect for others and yourself.
We adhere to the old proverb-
'Give a man a fish, he eats for a day.
Teach him how to fish, he eats for lifetime.'
At SGUW, we know if you teach a girl how to make healthy decisions, she'll be healthy for lifetime... and, may even pass it along.
At our four schools, we teach in different languages, to various cultural, religious and ethnic groups. Sometimes our students are all girls, sometimes mixed with boys, the schools are urban and in villages. Our staff and volunteers all come from these communities and share language and cultural backgrounds with our students.
More photos under Photo Gallery- Programs.
The Community Baseline Survey
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Over the last few months, the staff at SGUW conducted a Baseline Community Survey in Botown and Freetown. The survey consisted of more than forty questions about hygiene, sexual health and gender based violence and was completed by 170 women and girls. Below are some of our findings.
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Survey Highlights
Coerced and Forced Sexual Activity
15% of respondents were younger than 9 when they first had sex.
32% were younger than 14.
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50 % reported being forced, coerced and/or pressured to have sex by a man.
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22% reported being raped.
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STDs
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30% did not know what is a STD.
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36% did not know how to prevent one.
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FGM/FGC
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84% reported FGM/FGC is practiced on girls in their family as young as 6 years old.
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Contraception
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A quarter reported they do not use it due to cost. (contraception is free in SL)
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20% said they don't use it because man/boy partner doesn't like it.
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Only 32% knew that condoms prevent STDs such as HIV/AIDS.
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One third said they stigmatize and do not associate with peers who use contraception.
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There were positive findings as well, for example almost 2/3 of respondents contact their public health unit or Marie Stopes, a women's health org., with sexual or maternal health issues.
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SGUW Recognition
We are proud to announce that Strong Girls United Women was recognized by the Government of Sierra Leone, Ministry of Gender and Children Affairs for our support and collaboration during Day of the African Child celebrations in Bo Region.