Werun over 80 safe spaces for girls and young women across the country. Space spaces are community hot spots where girls and young women feel safe to gather in the community. They are identified by the young women and supported by the organization to conduct a risk assessment leading to the improvement of the space according to their desires. The peers then own the space. These spaces create safe, inclusive environments where girls and young women can openly share their experiences, strengthen self-worth andaccess support systems including opportunities to education, leadership, trainings, employment, sexual reproductive health services among others. These spaces create a sense of belongingcreating protective zones, shielding girls and young women from violence, exploitation, and neglect, while nurturing resilience and empowerment.
Parenting Mentorship
Parenting is challenging especially with teenage boys and girls and first time parents. Through parenting mentorship programs, Somero Development Initiative equips parents and guardians with nurturing, non-violent, and informed caregiving techniques. By fostering empathy, communication, and understanding, these initiatives build stronger family relationships and supportive home environments that uphold the rights and dignity of children and young women. Evidence based approaches including REAL Fathers Catalyzing REAL Fathers across Uganda for Early Learning and Play – Center on Gender Equity and Health (GEH) – UC San Diego, SinovuyoPLH-Teens_Facilitator-manual_2018-1.pdf, Parenting with respectability What is the Parenting for Respectability Programme (PfR) – Parenting For Respectability-PfRare have been used.
Community-Based Initiatives
Somero Development Initiative anchors its child-rights work in community-based efforts, collaborating with local leaders, cultural and religious figures, and residents. These inclusive engagements raise awareness, promote collective responsibility, and fortify local measures that guard against child abuse, gender-based discrimination, and exploitation. The network of community members form the community task force which is key when conducting our work.
Teacher Training for a Supportive Environment
Somero Development Initiative delivers specialized training to educators, fostering gender-sensitive, trauma-informed, and inclusive classroom atmospheres. By equipping teachers with the skills to identify distress, respond to child rights concerns, and engage sensitively, the NGO helps create learning environments that protect and empower vulnerable learners. Evidence based approaches including Psychological first Aid among others are being employed.
Child Participation
Somero Development Initiative actively involves children and young women in shaping the decisions that affect them. Through structured forums, youth councils, and participatory feedback mechanisms, the NGO empowers young voices—ensuring they contribute to program design, implementation, and evaluation, thus embodying their agency and human rights.Evidence based approaches including SCREAM SCREAM: Supporting Children’s Rights through Education, the Arts and the Media | International Labour Organization, Child Rights friendly accountability CFAcc-Field-Manual-FINAL-11.13.17.pdf
ICT as an Employment Solution
Somero Development Initiative harnesses ICT to bridge young women to digital literacy, vocational training, and entrepreneurship opportunities. By facilitating access to technology-based skills and remote job platforms, the NGO promotes financial independence, reduces vulnerability to exploitation, and empowers young women to pursue safer, dignified livelihoods.