Ensuring girls are healthy and empowered, so girls can fulfil their potential. We are continuing to work during the COVID 19 crisis, as it is more important than ever to break the cycle, so girls can achieve their potential.

Location: Kuria, Kenya

Under COVID, the global conversation has been about how do we use technology to mitigate these things.’ But many of the girls we work with are not online. We need to strengthen the systems we already have. Make services affordable and accessible, and ensure the community is responsive.

Natalie Robi Tingo is continuing give out sanitary products to girls during COVID, keep their office open so girls and others can report instances of gender-based violence and access a safe space. Natalie's organisation Msichana Empowerment Kuria is reporting instances of FGM/C, child marriage and other forms of GBV to the authorities and encouraging follow up. This is difficult during COVID as the authorities are not focusing on GBV, and safe houses for girls at risk have been closed during lockdown.

What keeps me going is knowing that I have a choice. Either I act, or I do nothing. I choose action.