Breaking Cycles, Building Futures: Binti Project Closes with Lasting Impact
By Mwanakombo Hassan
The closeout event of the Binti Breaking Barriers Project marked the end of a powerful two-year journey funded by Together Women Rise, implemented from June 2024 to May 2026 in Kilifi County. The project was dedicated to empowering adolescent girls and young women to overcome violence, limited access to reproductive health services, and barriers to education and economic opportunities.
The closeout meeting brought together adolescent and young mothers their partners as well as parents and friends and stakeholders to reflect on the project’s achievements, share personal stories of transformation, and celebrate the resilience and determination of young mothers who have rebuilt their futures through the initiative.
Through the project, 253 teenage and young mothers were reached through teenage mother’s psychosocial support groups across Kilifi and Tana River Counties, with 240 accessing family planning services that enabled them to make informed decisions of their sexual and reproductive health. The project increased the number of youth-friendly healthcare providers where 25 young people were trained as Youth Peer Providers (YPPs), providing health facilities and community health promoters with the required support to provide a community healthcare system that is responsive to the needs of young people.
In addition, 65 sexual reproductive health educators (peer educators) were trained and went on to reach more than 2,000 peers with accurate information on reproductive health, violence prevention, and abuse awareness. Their efforts played a significant role in increasing awareness and creating safe spaces for young people to seek support and guidance.
Education remained a key focus area of the project. A total of 61 girls who had dropped out of school due to pregnancy were supported to return to learning institutions, with 19 rejoining secondary schools and 42 enrolling in technical and vocational training institutions. Among them, five girls successfully completed their high school education, with one attaining a C+ grade.
Beyond education, the project also supported economic empowerment initiatives. Twenty (20) young women started small-scale businesses, enabling them to earn an income and support their families. Remarkably, one participant qualified for the Kenyan Government flagship program for youth financing – Nyota Program Funding Round 1, highlighting the potential and determination of young mothers when given the right support and opportunities.
Speaking during the closeout event, the Kilifi County Minister of Gender, Youth, Sports and Culture, Dr. Ruth Dama encouraged the young women to continue pursuing their dreams and become leaders within their communities. “Being a young mother does not mean the end of your dreams,” she said. “Your journey is still valid, your future still matters, and your voice can inspire others. Whenever MTG calls upon you to train, mentor, or lead, step forward confidently because you are ambassadors of change in your communities.”
For many participants, the project became a turning point in their lives. Sheila, one of the beneficiaries, shared how the initiative restored her hope and confidence. “I had given up on life because I didn’t know what I could do to change my situation,” she said. “But now, with the knowledge I gained and the chance to go back to school, I know I can build a better future for myself and my family.”
As the Binti Breaking Barriers Project comes to an end, its impact will continue to be felt through the lives it has transformed. The stories shared during the closeout event reflected not only the success of the project but also the strength, resilience, and potential of adolescent girls and young mothers when empowered with knowledge, opportunity, and support.