The project aims at reducing early and forced marriages in Pallisa and Kamuli districts of Uganda by enabling girls and women from marginalized and low income households to gain economic independence and decision making power regarding their sexual health through support groups integrated with savings and credit activities. The groups will enable girls and women to meet their SRH needs and start individual and joint retail enterprises to sell household items including sexual and reproductive health (SRH) commodities at a subsidized prices to group members. Participating women will become advocates for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in their communities through educational meetings to discuss issues such as early and forced marriage, sexual and gender based violence, and the importance of continued education for girls.

Proof of concept will be demonstrated by:

1. 300 poor and marginalized girls and women with improved saving and credit skills to enable them meet their SRH needs.
2. 30% of the marginalized and poor girls and women who participate in the groups start individual and joint businesses to address their economic and SRH needs.
3. 30 girls and women who participate in the groups will become advocates for SRHR issues as a result of the training and continuous capacity building
4. At least 20 early and forced marriages averted in Pallisa and Kamuli districts as a result of the program