When we started Farida Girls Foundation in 2016, our goals were deeply localized. We wanted to create safe spaces where girls in our neighborhood could find their voices, learn about their reproductive health rights, and protect one another. We didn’t expect that a small, passionate team operating out of Mathare would catch the attention of global leaders.
We are incredibly thrilled and humbled to share that FGF was internationally honored with the prestigious Sheikh Hasina Youth Volunteer Award.
Leadership in Times of Crisis
This global recognition was awarded to FGF for our exceptional community volunteerism and youth empowerment efforts during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. When the world went into lockdown, the vulnerabilities faced by young women in informal settlements multiplied overnight.
Our youth-led volunteer networks stepped up immediately. We didn’t wait for outside aid; we mobilized on the ground to:
- Distribute emergency hygiene and dignity resources to households.
- Deliver vital, life-saving health and safety information directly to young people.
- Keep our safe spaces active—offering a protective shield when gender-based violence risks were peaking.
A Win for Every Volunteer and Supporter
Receiving this award on an international stage is a powerful validation of our core philosophy: meaningful youth engagement works. It proves that when you trust young people with leadership, they can drive real, sustainable change even under the most difficult conditions.
This milestone belongs to every peer educator who walks the streets of Mathare, every parent who sends their daughter to our clubs, and every donor who fuels our work. We are deeply grateful for this honor, and it only strengthens our commitment to march forward.