At Tiko, it is a privilege to walk alongside the girls that we serve, as they navigate a world that often leaves them behind. An estimated 26 million girls and young women live in poverty in sub-Saharan Africa and are disproportionately impacted by the “Triple Threat” of unintended pregnancy, HIV and sexual and gender-based violence. Too many girls face barriers like awareness, accessibility and affordability that keep opportunity out of reach. This World Population Day, lets listen to their stories, lets learn what works for them and lets commit to supporting them with the power to choose their path.
“I found out I was pregnant when I was 17. My dream is to become a business owner, but I had to leave school for fear of stigma and find work to support my baby and my mother. I was also concerned about falling pregnant again. Through a Tiko mobiliser, I was connected to the Tiko Club Groups, and I enrolled on the platform. I now understand all the family planning options available to me and I am able to access contraceptive services for free. I have also met other girls through the network, and I feel excited about my future again. ” Ella, Tiko Client, Kibera, Kenya
“In our culture, a young girl who gets pregnant is often rejected. She might have to stop school. Her family might be ashamed. By giving girls knowledge and control over their bodies, Tiko is a way to help them reclaim their futures. When young girls know their rights and have the freedom to ask questions they walk with confidence. That’s real empowerment.” Benjamine, Nurse, Burkina Faso
“When I joined Tiko, my eyes were opened to the number of young people facing a difficult future because they don’t know about family planning, PrEP, or mental health. I have met many girls who have fallen pregnant in their teens, and they are scared about their future. Once a young person has knowledge they are not scared anymore and they know what they need to do to empower themselves in their health journey.” Sheron, Mobiliser, Daveyton, South Africa
“When we go out into the community, a lot of the girls are willing to take part. Most of them fear that they might be judged when they come by the hospitals to access contraception or HIV testing and STI screening. What we do as Tiko mobilisers, is we create a good rapport with them, and we find that they are willing to open up, and to tell us whatever it is they are facing. Most of the young people engage with Tiko mobilisers because they know, ok there is someone that won’t judge me. That person will be there for me. Tiko becomes a place for them.” Sharon, Mobiliser, Lusaka, Zambia
“When I lost my home due to political unrest, I was connected to a Tiko mobiliser in my community. I was given information about family planning and the benefits of the Tiko programme. I am working to support my family and cover some school expenses and transportation costs, so the Tiko programme was introduced to me at a tough time in my life. I was connected to local places where I could access family planning services for free. I can now focus on my goals and aspirations without worrying. Tiko is aiding me financially as well. With Tiko miles, I am able to buy essential hygiene products like sanitary pads, soaps and hair oil.” Sitota, Tiko Client, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
“I was born HIV positive, but I didn’t find out about my status until I was 16 years old. I was depressed, feeling isolated and alone. In my community, HIV carries stigma and we are discriminated against. I could not attend school and I was denied access to skills training. A Tiko mobiliser in my neighbourhood told me I could get medication and information about family planning and HIV. The people at the clinic share their knowledge and make me feel safe and comfortable and I don’t feel like I am facing life alone.” Shakira, Tiko Client, Kampala, Uganda
About Tiko
Tiko strengthens the resilience of girls across Africa by protecting them from the “Triple Threat”: unintended pregnancy, HIV, and sexual and gender-based violence. We connect girls to free health and wellbeing services across health systems, through a community-driven and tech-enabled model of care. By removing barriers and acting as their companion, Tiko helps girls to shape their own futures where they thrive.
This story was written by Tiko, with consent from clients and mobilisers.