Despite Kenya’s success in combating HIV and AIDS, new HIV infections among adolescent girls and young women ages 15-24 are on the rise.

Moreover, young women are reporting increased cases of sexually transmitted infections and gender-based violence. DREAMS is an ambitious partnership to reduce HIV infections among adolescent girls and young women in Kenya and address the challenges that they face every day. The goal of DREAMS is to help girls lead Determined,  Resilient, Empowered AIDS-free, Mentored, and Safe lives. The underlying principle of DREAMS is that girls can – and often do – reach their full potential when they have access to health and economic  services and when they perceive themselves as both capable and resilient. DREAMS will also sensitize and bring together the larger community in support of girls achieving their hopes and aspirations.

 

Discriminatory cultural norms, gender-based violence, and economic disadvantages prevent many adolescent girls and young women from accessing education, health, and financial services.  These challenges can leave girls without the support they need to thrive.  However, if these adolescent girls and young women are fully empowered and have the capacity to surmount the many challenges they face, they have the potential to foster an AIDS-free future.