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Honduran Girl Leaders Win Safety Protections, Access to Education and Reproductive Rights

Program

Rise Up

Highlights

A Rise Up Girl Leader with a large poster calling for an end to sexual harassment and violence

In Honduras, Girl Leaders working with PHI's Rise Up program helped improve the lives of more than 223,000 girls and adolescents in several municipalities through safer communities, comprehensive sexual education, and greater access to education.

223K Honduran girls’ lives improved through safer communities, comprehensive sexual education, and greater access to education

Despite the significant challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic in Honduras, in 2021 seven projects led by Girl Leaders were implemented with the support of local organizations. With support from Rise Up, the Girl Leaders were able to reach decision-makers and enact political changes that benefit them and fellow Honduran girls and adolescents. The Girl Leaders relied on creativity, digital strategies, and technical support from Rise Up to make their voices heard by decision-makers.

We youth and adolescents have great capacity to strengthen the social fabric and create a sustainable present and future. The impact of the ongoing pandemic is transforming us and there is still no clarity about what our lives will be like in a world after COVID-19. The only certain thing is that nothing will be the same anymore.

Iliany, a Rise Up Girl Leader in Honduras

Three Girl Leaders speaking on Honduran televisionThe Girl Leaders’ work helped improve the lives of more than 223,000 girls and adolescents in several municipalities through safer communities, comprehensive sexual education, and greater access to education through financial support. For example:

  • Comprehensive sexual education is now a reality through a public policy in the municipality of El Progreso, Yoro and an education program in sexual reproductive health in Jutiapa Atlántida. 
  • In La Ceiba, a new ordinance passed to prohibit street sexual harassment, and a new public policy of prevention aims to end psychological, physical and sexual violence in schools.
  • Olanchito and La Ceiba are funding new scholarship programs to improve access to education.

In addition to these municipalities, the new policies are also gaining national attention, demonstrating the potential impact that investment in girls and adolescents has for Honduras.

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