Young people need more than just knowledge. No Means No builds tangible skills that young people can use to break the cycles of violence that shape their lives. By using an empowerment-centered approach, No Means No both educates and inspires young participants to lead change.

Programs teach youth aged 10–20 practical mental, verbal, and physical skills to prevent and stop assault, as well as how to safely intervene, access local support services as needed, and how to build healthy relationships.

Watch: Violence is Not Inevitable

Skills in the 'Backpack'

Awareness of assault tactics
Recognition of the right to self-protection
Understanding of the importance of boundaries and consent
Verbal skills like assertiveness, de-escalation, and negotiation
Physical skills such as confident body language, grab releases, and strikes
Understanding of ways to access local support services if they have experienced violence in their lives

Testimonials

“Girls who were once silent have found their voices. Boys who lacked guidance have embraced respect, responsibility, and safer choices. Their transformation is living proof that even in the hardest times, our work matters.”

~TASO, Implementing Partner, Uganda
“What No Means No Worldwide is proving through its sexual assault intervention is that you don’t need to build 142 police stations like they did in Tanzania, for millions of dollars. What you need to do is build training capacity in human beings and then train kids to use what’s already within themselves.”

~M. Catherine Maternowksa, Lead: Data, Evidence, & Solutions, Global Partnership to End Violence Secretariat

Learn More About Our Work

No Means No

Our comprehensive program with versions for in-person and digital delivery.
Athlete Power

A game-changing initiative to empower young athletes to boost performance, prevent abuse, and improve their mental health.
Digital Self-Defense

Teaching youth how to protect themselves online from tech-facilitated sexual violence.