Empower Her: Economic Resilience for Teenage Mothers in Lira City through Non-formal Skills Training in Fashion and Design

Lira City, like many urban centers in Uganda, faces a growing challenge with the increasing number of teenage mothers. These young women often contend with profound socio-economic vulnerabilities, including limited educational attainment, lack of marketable skills, social stigma, and immense pressure to provide for their children. This precarious situation perpetuates a cycle of poverty, hindering their personal growth and the well-being of their families. Without viable pathways to self-sufficiency, many remain dependent, unable to contribute meaningfully to their households or the broader economy. This project, Empower Her, directly addresses these critical challenges by providing a practical, accessible, and sustainable solution. We believe that equipping teenage mothers with non-formal fashion and design skills will not only unlock their creative potential but, more importantly, foster genuine economic resilience, enabling them to build independent livelihoods and secure a brighter future for themselves and their children. Problem Statement Teenage pregnancy in Lira City leaves young mothers in a severely disadvantaged position. Many are forced to drop out of school, losing the opportunity for formal education and skill acquisition. Consequently, they lack the necessary qualifications and practical abilities to secure decent employment. The informal jobs available often offer meager wages, are unstable, and perpetuate their vulnerability. Furthermore, the societal stigma associated with teenage motherhood can lead to isolation and reduced access to opportunities. This confluence of factors creates a significant barrier to their economic independence, impacting their health, their children’s development, and the overall socio-economic fabric of the community. There is an urgent need for targeted interventions that offer flexible, demand-driven skills training to empower these young women to break free from the cycle of poverty.