The G for Girls Initiative exemplifies how youth-led organizations (YLOs) can influence policy and create lasting change. Through evidence-based advocacy, community engagement, and strategic dialogue, G for Girls addresses critical issues affecting women and girls.
Three core strategies guide G for Girls’ work: building evidence, engaging in constructive dialogues, and mobilizing support. At the core of its advocacy is a commitment to research.
“To influence policy effectively, you need to understand the issues from the ground up,”
Explains Priscah Obutu Mongera, the Executive Director of G for Girls. This research-backed approach helps the organization foster constructive dialogues with government and community leaders, aiming to find common ground rather than creating confrontation. Providing local support is equally critical, and G for Girls collaborates closely with community members to amplify their voices, making policy advocacy a genuinely collective effort.
A landmark achievement for G for Girls is its advocacy for the Kwale Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Protection Act. Consistent roundtable discussions and lobby meetings-built support for this crucial legislation and helped ensure Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) to streamline its implementation. These SoPs were crafted by the Court Users Committee, comprising stakeholders from Community Service Organizations, the judiciary, probation officers, the Ministry of Interior, and the Kwale County Community of Practice. “Our work has made a tangible difference in how SGBV cases are handled, ensuring victims receive care and protection without financial burden,” Priscah explains.
G for Girls also champions community-led development through its Community Initiative Groups. One such effort, the Kiwegu Unit Community Initiative, unites six villages to address shared issues, such as children needing to walk long distances to school. Currently, this group is working to build a local school, aiming to resolve this issue. These grassroots efforts not only address immediate needs but also foster a sense of ownership and empowerment within the community.
Advocacy Through Youth And Dialogue
Successful YLOs are defined by flexibility, inclusivity, and innovation. G for Girls demonstrates this through dynamic, youth-inclusive leadership and by equipping young people with the skills to meaningfully contribute to advocacy efforts. This approach ensures that youth participation is purposeful rather than tokenistic, making their voices central to the organization’s impact.
The G for Girls Initiative also highlights the power of harmonious methods in advocacy. Rather than confrontation, the organization builds relationships and engages in dialogue to influence policy. “We’ve found that using harmonious methods can be incredibly effective,” Priscah emphasizes. This blend of youth leadership, community ownership, and soft advocacy creates a sustainable model for driving change.
United in purpose, these young women are advocating for women's rights and education
Impact Of G For Girls
At its core, the G for Girls program equips 500 rural girls in Kiwegu, Kwale County with skills to reach their potential. It fosters a supportive ecosystem, bringing together the County government, local authorities, parents, teachers, and community leaders. By addressing critical barriers related to gender and education, the program promotes inclusive education, supports girls’ retention in primary school, and facilitates their transition to secondary education.
He further notes that “this partnership aligns with the Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy, which aims to enable 30 million young people across Africa –especially young women – to access dignified and meaningful work by 2030. By improving educational access and creating a supportive learning environment, the G for Girls initiative lays the groundwork for a future-ready workforce, preparing young girls for opportunities in agriculture, the digital economy, and tourism.”
Through this collaboration, the Foundation reaffirms its commitment to advancing education, empowering youth, and fostering prosperity within disadvantaged communities.
Empowered girls reading, learning, and preparing to drive meaningful change in their communities
Priscah Obutu Mongera: Leading The Charge
Priscah Obutu Mongera’s journey as Executive Director of G for Girls Initiative demonstrates the power of YLOs to influence policy and drive social change. Through her leadership, Priscah has spearheaded efforts that combine research-driven advocacy, community empowerment, and meaningful youth participation.
Under her guidance, G for Girls advances community-led development through the formation of Community Initiative Groups, such as the Kiwegu Unit Community Initiative, which is currently working to establish a local school to minimize long walking distances for children. These initiatives empower community members to address their own development needs, fostering a sense of ownership and resilience.
Looking to the future, Priscah envisions YLOs like G for Girls leading policy influence and thought leadership across Africa. “Young people have a unique perspective and a vested interest in shaping the future because they are the ones who will inherit it,” she says. With the right support, YLOs can continue to break barriers and inspire lasting, positive change.
Priscah’s story exemplifies how YLOs can set new standards for policy impact and social transformation. Through evidence-based advocacy, community empowerment, and youth leadership, her work provides a sustainable model for others to follow.
Priscah Obutu Mongera, Executive Director of G for Girls
The Impact of the G is for Girls Initiative
- Legislative Impact:
- Successfully advocated for the Kwale Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Protection Act, which strengthens victim care and protection.
- Educational Focus:
- Promotes inclusive education, encouraging girls’ retention in primary school and their transition to secondary education.
- Workforce Development:
- Prepares girls for sustainable employment in sectors like agriculture, digital economy, and tourism.
- COVID-19 Response:
- Established mentorship programs during school closures to provide safe spaces for girls.
- Ongoing Initiatives:
- Offers comprehensive sexual education and conducts community dialogues on issues such as teenage pregnancy.
