By Florence Sidi, She’s the First Programs Assistant
Photos by Sarah Waiswa
The Swahili word “Msichana” translates to “girl.” Our new partner Msichana Empowerment Kuria (MEK) is a women-led and girl-centric nonprofit organization that stands firmly behind the concept its name represents.
Founded in 2013 by then-19-year-old Natalie Tingo in the Kuria Community in Kenya, MEK serves to address female genital mutilation (FGM) and cross-sectional issues of child marriage, sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and sexual gender-based violence (SGBV). The organization is a great example of how individuals and communities can come together to create positive change and break down systemic barriers. It is essential to empower girls and women to make informed choices about their bodies, education, and future.
The Journey
She’s the First staff poses with girls and staff from our new partner Msichana Empowerment Kuria.
Recently, I had the pleasure of accompanying my colleagues Kate Kiama (Director of Programs & Impact) and Tammy Tibbetts (CEO/Co-Founder of She's the First) on a trip to Migori County. This was to gain an understanding of Msichana Empowerment Kuria, an organization we have recently partnered with, through talks with their program staff and the girls they serve. It was also imperative for them to learn more about She's the First and become familiar with the Partner Coalition and its goals.
We left Nairobi on January 11th at 10:30 am and drove through Narok and Kisii while taking in the breathtaking views of the Great Rift Valley escarpments along the way - it was a great reminder to appreciate all of Kenya's natural beauty. Migori is a multi-ethnic rural town 369 kilometers away from Nairobi. Even though the journey was long, it was quite an adventure! Later that evening we arrived in Migori and took some well-deserved rest, getting ready for a full day with the MEK team the next day.
Upon arriving at the MEK center on January 12th, we were graciously welcomed by Magdaline Majuma, the Executive Director who lead us through an introductory session. We learned about MEK's strategy for the next few years which is focused on empowering individual girls while promoting changes in community perspectives that typically prevent girls from pursuing their aspirations. We were aligned with their mission and excited to see how our partnership could make an impact.
Healthy Relationships
Girls play our “What Would You Do? A Game to Inspire Healthy Relationships.”
We had the opportunity to get involved in various activities. First off, we played the “What Would You Do? “ card game with the mentees and mentors alike. This educational card game designed by STF involves guided conversations related to the creation of healthy relationships, as well as self-advocacy and personal boundaries; all of which can be explored through play. Kate moderated a mentors' session on different techniques for using the game in an existing mentorship program, and she also walked them through the reporting requirements for using this tool in the next 12 months. I moderated the mentees' session; with an actual demonstration of how to play the card game. With the help of mentors, the girls were divided into smaller groups of ten and tried out the game. They were excited about playing, and as they played, the tool helped them open up on issues that they were uncomfortable talking about to their parents or even their teachers. The mentors took note of this and agreed to follow up with the girls at the end of the session.
Florence teaches girls to play our “What Would You Do?” card game.
Later in the day, MEK ran a girls' programming session in which the She's the First team was also invited to participate. They sang songs with their mentors and were later placed into groups for them to discuss the different situation cards of the “What Would You Do?” card game for girls ages 15 to 18 years to come up with the best response. It was a great opportunity to witness firsthand the impact of MEK’s work. Towards the end of our day, the Founder of the organization graced us with her presence, and the girls, together with the MEK team, were excited to see her and catch up.
Msichana Empowerment Kuria’s girls’ programming session.
One of the most inspiring aspects of MEK is its emphasis on girl-led initiatives. We had the pleasure of meeting one of our newest Girls Advisory Council members Jedidah, a remarkable 17-year-old member of MEK's NAWEZA program. This girl-led initiative not only creates a safe space for girls but also empowers them by nurturing their confidence and emphasizing the strength of women. It is through programs like NAWEZA that MEK is instilling a sense of empowerment and resilience in young girls, ultimately leading to a brighter future.
Florence and Girls Advisory Council Member Jedidah.