We spoke with two of our Girl Activist Fellows about sex education, the spread of misinformation in their communities, and what changes they want to see. Sydney, 17, who lives in a conservative rural town in Massachusetts, U.S., pointed out that abstinence-only programs cause harm. Faith Boke, 21, from Kuria, Kenya, shared how her community faces shame and misinformation about menstruation and reproductive health. They talked about the need for thorough and inclusive sex education to clear up myths and reduce the stigma around reproductive health.
She's the First Girl Leaders Discuss The Power of Girls' Education and Leadership
Investing in girls' education and leadership is essential for advancing gender equality. On October 3, She’s the First and Rise Up hosted a virtual event, "The Power of Girls' Education and Leadership: A Spotlight on Africa," to highlight the efforts of young leaders transforming their communities. Alumni from both organizations discussed the challenges and potential of girls' education in Africa, with She’s the First Girls Advisory Council members Sukeji Modi and Njeri emphasizing the role of local leadership and mentorship in tackling issues like teen pregnancy and menstrual poverty.
"Let Girls Lead"
Joan Kembabazi is a 25-year-old feminist activist who champions an end to child marriage and girls' education in Uganda. Joan is the Founder and Team leader of Gufasha Girls Foundation and is currently a fellow in She’s the First’s Girl-Centered Incubator.
An Essay About Leadership and its Challenges
As a leader in my school, I am committed to addressing the challenges facing girls in education and finding ways to solve them through education. Leadership is not all about control or power; it’s about inspiring and guiding the way. It’s about creating a culture of trust and respect and leading by example every day.
I am Powerful
By Abigael Mutheu, a student at She’s the First’s partner Savana Kitui
I am powerful, so powerful indeed
I can make choices in my own
I am powerful, so powerful indeed
I can chose what is right and
wrong I am so powerful
I say No to early marriages,
I am powerful, so powerful indeed
I am powerful because I am made
fearfully and wonderfully made
I can say no to female genital
Mutilation (FGM)
I am powerful, so powerful indeed
Nobody should make choices
for me.
I am powerful, I can make my choices
alone
I am powerful, so powerful indeed
Abigael and Mary Mutheu are girls in She’s the First’s partner program Savana Kitui in Kenya. Abby wrote the poem above as a Girl Gazette advocacy activity, and the two of them made this activism poster together.
The Girl Gazette is Here!
The latest edition of The Girl Gazette is here! This edition features a powerful poem about girls' leadership, an important essay about a patriarchal community, and artwork that encourages girls to end period stigma and feel good about their bodies.
The Girl Gazette shares girls' voices from around the world who work with our Partner Coalition organizations. Girls from She’s the First’s Partner Coalition express themselves through art, poetry, and essays about their experiences.
I am Wonderfully Made
By Lucy Mutheu, Kenya, Savana Kitui
I am wonderfully made,
I appreciate my body,
I love and respect my body,
Oh! my body my choice.
Seeking for guidance and counseling,
Whenever i am troubled,
Will always help to became a better person,
Oh! my body my choice.
Nobody should touch me,
Nobody should abuse me because of my body,
I will always accept my body
Oh! my body my choice.
Lucy’s poem was also published in the September 2024 edition of The Girl Gazette, a biannual publication of artwork, poetry, and essays by girls in the She’s the First partner coalition.
Hot Off the Presses: The Girl Gazette!
Going Beyond the Book: Behind-the-Scenes of “Safiya Speaks Up”
We’re proud to launch of Safiya Speaks Up, a children’s book and mentor’s guide written by girls between the ages of 15 and 21 from the She’s the First’s Girl Activist Fellowship. This “tell-all” is a memoir of the stories behind the book, as well as the memories we shared throughout its creation.