Teenseed

Empowering adolescent girls and young mothers to advance sexual and reproductive health rights, promote gender equality, and strengthen safety for women and girls in their communities

Kiambiu, one of Nairobi’s informal settlements, has existed since the 1950s and is now home to approximately 60,000 residents across six villages. The area faces persistently high unemployment rates, and the lack of public education and healthcare facilities significantly limits access to essential services. Women and girls are disproportionately affected—mothers often travel long distances for antenatal care or medical support for their children, while girls face safety risks on their way to school. These barriers contribute to high rates of early pregnancy, school dropouts, and HIV transmission. Many young mothers are unable to return to school due to financial hardship or lack of family support, perpetuating cycles of poverty and social exclusion.

Egmont is partnering with Teenseed to address these challenges through a project focused on reducing early pregnancies and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). The initiative empowers women and girls with knowledge of their sexual and reproductive health (SRH) rights and strengthens community accountability for their protection and support.

As part of the project, 20 adolescent girls and young mothers are being trained as Change Agents. These young women receive in-depth training on sexual, reproductive, and menstrual health, as well as HIV and SGBV prevention. Each Change Agent establishes a Community Change Communication Group in her local village, using peer education to share vital information and support. Collectively, these groups will reach an additional 100 young people across the settlement.

To amplify their impact, the project also includes community outreach events focused on menstrual health, HIV and AIDS, and gender-based violence. Refresher training in SRH rights and gender equality is being provided to existing male champions and community health volunteers, enabling them to better engage their communities in meaningful dialogue.

The project also works to strengthen local systems of support by encouraging community leaders and healthcare workers to advocate for gender equality and adolescent health. Connections with youth-friendly health service providers are being reinforced to improve young people’s access to SRH services—particularly for girls and young women.