Gender Advocacy

EVPE is a youth-led advocacy and empowerment program that tackles gender inequalities, gender-based violence (GBV), and barriers to education and economic opportunities for girls and young women. It aligns with DYAP’s mission to equip young people (aged 12–30) with knowledge, skills, and resources for informed life choices while fostering community transformation. The program uses education, community dialogue, and leadership development to challenge harmful cultural norms and promote gender equity.

Key Objectives

• Raise awareness about gender-based violence, child marriage, teenage pregnancy, and unequal access to education and livelihoods.
• Empower young girls and boys to become advocates for gender equality in their schools, families, and communities.
• Advocate for policy and practice changes at local government levels to support girls’ education and protection.
• Integrate gender-sensitive approaches into DYAP’s broader HIV/AIDS, TB awareness, and livelihoods programs.

Main Activities

• Community Dialogues and Sensitization: DYAP organizes youth-led forums, radio talk shows, and village meetings where young people discuss issues like GBV, menstrual hygiene management, and the value of educating girls. These sessions involve traditional leaders, parents, and religious figures to shift attitudes.
• School-Based Advocacy Clubs: In primary and secondary schools, DYAP supports “Gender Equality Champions” clubs. These clubs train students (with a focus on balanced girl-boy participation) in leadership, public speaking, and rights awareness. Activities include drama performances, debates, and peer-to-peer counseling on topics like preventing school dropout due to pregnancy or early marriage.
• Girls’ Empowerment and Life Skills Training: Targeted workshops for adolescent girls cover sexual and reproductive health rights, self-defense, leadership, and vocational skills (e.g., tailoring, agribusiness). The program provides sanitary pads and links girls to mentorship opportunities.
• Advocacy Campaigns and Policy Engagement: Annual campaigns (e.g., during the 16 Days of Activism against GBV) feature marches, petitions, and engagement with Dokolo District Local Government. DYAP youth representatives present issues at district council meetings and collaborate with other organizations on gender-responsive budgeting and service delivery.
• Male Involvement and Role Model Engagement: The program deliberately includes boys and men as allies through “HeForShe”-style sessions that encourage positive masculinity and shared household responsibilities.
• Monitoring and Support for Survivors: DYAP trains youth volunteers to identify and refer GBV survivors to health services, legal aid, and psychosocial support.

Target Groups and Reach

The program primarily serves youth aged 12–30 in Dokolo District, with special focus on vulnerable girls, including those from low-income families, teen mothers, and out-of-school youth. It has reached hundreds of young people through schools and community groups, complementing DYAP’s work with over 2,000 families on broader empowerment initiatives.

Approach and Values

Grounded in faith-based values of dignity and compassion, EVPE uses a participatory, youth-centered methodology. Young people themselves design and lead many activities, building their confidence as change-makers. The program emphasizes sustainability by training local facilitators and linking beneficiaries to income-generating opportunities.

Impact and Partnerships

EVPE has contributed to increased school retention for girls, greater community awareness of gender issues, and stronger youth voices in local advocacy. DYAP collaborates with local government, faith-based groups, and other NGOs to amplify its reach.

This program reflects DYAP’s holistic approach: combining advocacy with practical support to create lasting change toward a more equitable society in Northern Uganda.