Asha Suleiman – Sauti Zetu Hub Member

“When I was sixteen, I got pregnant. The news spread quickly and I was immediately labeled as ‘just another teen mum in Korogocho.’ The stigma was overwhelming, I felt isolated and judged by my peers and people from community.

My dreams seemed to shutter as I struggled to navigate this new reality. Everything changed when I joined Sauti Zetu community hub. It is a place where young people learn about Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights and bodily autonomy. Through their advocacy and community programs, I have gained knowledge and confidence. I have learnt about my rights, how to protect my health, and the importance of making informed decisions.
I have started to see myself not just as a young mother but as a valuable member of the society. I have been sharing what I have been learning with other young people in my community.

My role as a youth advocate has grown and I realized that I have the power to drive change. I can also rewrite my story, I am important and I can achieve my dreams.
I am committed to making sure that other young people have access to the information and resources they need to make informed choices about their lives. #CommunityVoices has transformed my life, and now I am dedicated to transforming the lives of others.

Some of the key recommendations from Sauti Zetu Hub following our routine engagements are:
1. Create more platforms and opportunities for adolescent and young women to meaningfully engage in local, national, and regional decision-making processes.
2. Develop and implement policies that specifically address the needs and rights of marginalized youth, including teen mothers, to ensure no one is left behind in the African Union Agenda 2063.”