We provide funding and technical assistance to a diverse group of organizations in Nigeria, Cameroon, and Kenya. These grassroots groups run innovative programs to promote sexual and reproductive health and rights in their communities and advocate for change at the national, regional, and global levels. Our partners are leading the charge to end child marriage, secure access to safe and legal abortion, promote comprehensive sexuality education, and expand access to modern contraception.
Partner: Action Health Incorporated (AHI)
Founded in Lagos in 1989 and supported by IWHC since 1990, Action Health Incorporated (AHI) is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of adolescents in Nigeria. Over the last 24 years, AHI has advanced efforts within private and public sector programs to include comprehensive, gender-sensitive, life skills and rights-based approaches to sexuality education and clinical services for young people.
During this period, AHI has developed model programs that have been adopted and expanded by government and other civil society organizations.
Partner: Association pour la Promotion de l’Autonomie et des Droits de la Jeune Fille/Femme (APAD)
Early and forced marriage is illegal in Cameroon, but economic and social factors allow the tradition to continue. Approximately 36 percent of girls under 18 are married — often against their will. In the extreme north region of the country, the figure jumps to nearly 80 percent.
APAD has trained more than 150 survivors of early and forced marriage to speak out against this practice. In addition, 17 influential traditional leaders have been trained to convince parents of young girls to refrain from marrying them off and insist they remain in school.
