Why this? Why now?

A Message from our Founder – Dr. Aster Teshome

Adolescent girls in Ethiopia continue to face significant social, economic, and health-related challenges that affect their wellbeing, confidence, and future opportunities. Many girls experience pressures from social media, peer influence, harmful societal expectations, violence, exploitation, and mental health struggles while also facing limited access to reliable sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information and youth-friendly healthcare services. According to the 2024–25 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey, 10.2% of girls aged 15–19 have begun childbearing, with rates increasing to 23% among girls with no formal education compared to less than 5% among those with secondary education or higher.

Poverty also remains a major contributing factor, as adolescent childbearing is considerably higher among girls from low-income households than among wealthier families. In response to these challenges, CAGH is committed to empowering girls with the knowledge, healthcare, and resources they need to thrive. Through programs focused on sexual and reproductive health, nutrition, maternal care, HIV/STI prevention, and gender-based violence support, the organization works closely with communities, schools, and healthcare providers to ensure every adolescent girl can grow up healthy, confident, and resilient.

Through its programs, CAGH aims to provide mentorship, knowledge, and safe spaces where girls can learn, grow, and lead. By strengthening mentorship networks, digital health innovation, and community partnerships, Ethiopia can improve equitable access to youth-friendly services and create better opportunities for adolescent girls to build healthier, safer, and more empowered futures.