Human rights and gender mainstreaming
Human rights
YETU believes in human rights as fundamental entitlements for all. Therefore; our policies, programs and projects empower youths especially young women and girls to know and claim their rights from duty bearers. We aim to increase accountability of individuals and institutions who are responsible for respecting, protecting and fulfilling human rights. YETU follows the principles of participation, accountability, non-discrimination and equality, empowerment of rights holders. The Human Rights
Based Approach is at the core of all our work.
Gender mainstreaming
YETU programs are geared towards the realisation of gender equality therefore; the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of our policies, programs and projects integrates a gender perspective to promote equality between females and males and more so to ensure the equal participation of young women who are a vulnerable category of the population. Through gender mainstreaming YETU aims to eliminate all forms of discrimination.
Sexual and gender based violence
Over 1 million women in Uganda are victims of violence annually. 1 in every 10 women were forced into sexual activity during their childhood. More than half of Uganda’s young adults (18-24) believe it is acceptable for a man to beat his wife while 60% of
them believe the wife should tolerate violence. 20% of girls have had their first sexual encounter forced. 2 in every 3 girls miss school as a result of violence. Under this program, YETU also challenges of sexual and gender based violence including abuse,
teenage pregnancy, child labour, forced marriage among others.
Our program interventions are designed to equip young people with skills to be proactive against violence. We establish safe spaces in schools and communities where young people can access and utilise critical information, receive psychosocial support
and learn along with peers. We collaborate with relevant institutions and duty bearers to advocate for policies (design and implementation) which protect young people from all forms of abuse and ensure appropriate response to victims.
We build community knowledge about violence through media, community dialogues and supporting young people to be part of the local government planning process so that their needs and voices are amplified.
An inclusive approach isn’t just ethical—it’s effective. Human rights and gender equality make interventions stronger, smarter, and more sustainable.