Call me Maya, I was born and raised In Mukuru slums of Nairobi Kenya. Before becoming part of the She leads program I felt silenced and marginalised, Unsure of how to express myself.

This became a hurdle especially as a queer person in a patriarchal community where being queer is a taboo.  This was until I became part of, the She leads program back in 2022 whereby their empowerment programs opened doors to new possibilities, teaching me essential skills, and nurturing my confidence.

I attended capacity building trainings and workshops, VCAT, Entrepreneurship, Social media advocacy, SRHR/SGBV, Resource mobilization, Budgeting and Gender mainstreaming. I found She Leads a safe space because of the aspect of inclusivity and diversity of the GYWs.

Through that I participated in many decision-making Spaces, public participation on budget process in Kenya, I was involved in major campaigns that helped influence SRHR policies for Unpaid Care Work. She leads support didn’t just empower me, it ignited a passion within me to advocate for others and become a champion for social justice, using my experiences to amplify the voices of those around me.

With the knowledge, skills and guidance from the programme I began to find my voice, sharing my thoughts and ideas with others and taking leadership roles in my community, mobilising others and driving initiatives that brought about change.

Joining She leads was a turning point in my life, it made me realise my self-worth.