We are not just statistics! Girls voice their concerns in a DREAMS Baseline Survey

Nancy Atieno reports back to the plenary on additional stakeholders and their respective roles

“We are not just statistics or findings in the world of HIV… DREAMS has given us a platform to voice and talk about the issues that are affecting us and make a difference…. and we are now being moulded to become determined, resilient, empowered, AIDS-free, mentored, and safe women in the society.” Winnie Gorrety, an adolescent girl, in her opening remarks

On 22 May 2017 KELIN, with financial and technical support from the Positive Action for Girls and Women – Viiv Healthcare under the DREAMS Innovation Challenge brought together 36 participants in Kisumu County drawn from various stakeholders including adolescent girls and young women, state and non-state actors working on sexual and reproductive health rights, researchers and lawyers to validate findings from the KELIN DREAMS Baseline Survey.

The baseline survey, which was conducted in April this year, set to assess the current levels of knowledge, awareness and appreciation of sexual and reproductive health laws, policies and practices among orphaned and vulnerable girls in Kisumu and Homa Bay Counties.

The study findings illustrated the range of sexual reproductive health rights (SRHR) issues affecting orphaned and vulnerable girls and boys in the two counties. The findings revealed;

  • Early and unprotected sexual activities with multiple sex partners increasing the risk of STIs and HIV infection;
  • Limited knowledge and range of contraceptive methods available for young people;
  • Poor access to the available health facilities;
  • High incidences of unplanned pregnancies, unsafe abortion, early and forced marriages, exchange of sex for favours and gifts; and
  • Low awareness on Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

The forum gave an opportunity for participants to identify gaps, and share additional information to be included in the report.

Comments and feedback from the validation forum will be incorporated in the final document that will be shared on the KELIN online platforms.

To contribute to the discussion and for live updates follow KELIN on our social media platforms using the hashtag #Breakingthebarriers

Twitter: @KELINkenya

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kelinkenya

For more information contact:
Edgar Makona,
Planning, Research and M&E Officer
Mombasa Road, Somak Building 4th Floor
P O Box 112 – 00200 KNH Nrb,
Tel: 020, 2515790 │Mobile: +254728438719
E-mail: emakona@kelinkenya.org
Website: www.kelinkenya.org