Lucy Njeri - Ms President, Sauti Zetu Hub
“I am Lucy Namu, a girl from Korogocho slums. Growing up, people around my community expressed opinions that girls in my family can not get an education, opinions that were informed by past observations of teenage pregnancies in my family
True to their prophesies, like other girls in Korogocho, when I was I was at fourth year of secondary education I got pregnant. It was around COVID-19 period . This brought shame not only to me but also to my entire family, who had confidence that I would bring change to them.
After the COVID break, we were to return to school, but with my condition, I was afraid of stigma that is associated with teenage pregnancy, I was so afraid of what other students would say about me since I was the school prefect. It took me a lot of courage to go back to school. Thanks to efforts by the Ministry of Education together with our school staff who held my hands and gave me hope.
Since I was a bright student our school principal believed in me and provided me a safe space for learning.
One week before sitting for the national examination, I delivered a beautiful girl. This did not prevent me from doing well. I knew that I was capable. I believed in myself. I did my examination and got a C+ . I knew this is not the end of my me, pregnancy would not deter me from achieving my dreams.
I am currently enrolled at Nairobits to a digital literacy program. I am very grateful Community Voices who have given me the opportunity to engage in Sexual Reproductive Health Advocacy. As a result I was selected as the Ms president at Sauti Zetu hub.
My dream is to pursue a degree in computer science. I would love to inspire other pregnant teenagers, that their is hope, and to challenge stereotypes that prevent girls from achieving their dreams..”
The Birth of Communiy Voices Network
31st 2021 December remains to be one of the most inspiring and foundational moments for the works of Community Voices Network in Korogocho; something beautiful came out of a painful and desperate situation. Young people came together and sought to address the menace of unsafe abortion and gender based violence.
On 23rd December, 2021, news came out that, a 23-year-old woman, lost her life in the hands of her abusive partner just after procuring an unsafe abortion that went wrong. The night before the incident, she had experienced severe bleeding and had been taken to a medical facility by the neighbors. Upon coming back home, an argument ensued between her and the partner who ended up inflicting severe physical injuries on her leading to her demise.
In response to this, a few young people from Korogocho mobilized other community members and hosted a campaign inform of a night vigil and an online campaign dabbed #SautiZetu on 31st December 2021; on this day community advocacy messages and information on SRHR referral pathways were disseminated reaching over 100 community members.
The 23rd December 2021 incident is just one the traumatic experiences that people in informal settlements have to go through and or observe. One of the greatest take aways from this experience and other preceding self-initiated initiatives; in 2020, a support group for teen mothers had been formed and an educational movie on Gender based violence dabbed ‘Amuzi’ was launched, of our founding members; is that, communities, specifically, young people want to be the change they want to see. This is our motivation for doing what we do.
Ritah Anindo Obonyo - Executive Director
“I was in college but still living in Korogocho; because of my busy schedule and advocacy activities away from home, I lost touch with people; sadly, every time I would organize an activity in Korogocho, there was always a school girl that had been pregnant, my heart would break, I wanted to do more. God has given me so much, from Korogocho, I got an education, I want to be the change I want to see’’
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.”