When I was a young girl in primary school, I lost friends to FGM, child marriage, teenage pregnancies, and even poverty. I witnessed first-hand the inequality among Maasai girls perpetuated by cultural norms and practices fuelled by patriarchy. Unfortunately, we lacked role models from our community.

I knew I wanted to come back to my community and stand in the gap, not only be a mentor but also empower and provide a platform for the young girls to get their own voice and know their rights. I wanted them to say NO to harmful cultural practices and I would also do that at the policy level to ensure that we have policies that protect women and girls.

I dream of an equal world, where all girls and women will rise to their rightful positions in their communities, without question. One that education will liberate the community from harmful cultural practices, Poor health, and economic injustice among its women and girls. One that all women will know their worth because they are queens and that’s why I started this organization because #IAMMALKIA