A Vision Shared: Fatma, 22, Kenya

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What are the greatest challenges to women's and young people's health and rights?

Youth are not considered to be respected members of their families. In particular, girls are perceived as objects by their families. They are subjected to numerous forms of maltreatment including female genital cuttings, rape, and sexual harassment.  It is believed that girls don't deserve an education, and that a woman who is married has no potential to voice her opinions or make decisions regarding family affairs.

How are you making the world safer and healthier for youth?

As part of my studies in Community Development, I conduct trainings to empower women and girls to know their rights. I work to ensure that they participate in activities, such as cleaning compounds to prevent malaria or joining in the "chama cha wanawake" - a community-based organization that helps women learn more about their capabilities in the income-generating services.  

I also engage in other organizations as a member. I attend trainings that empower women to join/form projects that enable us to get profits (microenterprise). We buy things such as fruit cartons and clothes cartons and sell the contents for a profit.

Many girls join in these local organizations where they are trained to know their rights. Through these organizations, girls may seek sponsors to enable them to continue with their studies if their parents cannot afford the fees for their education. They are encouraged to avoid idleness in the society, such as by starting small businesses which enable them to earn a living and cater to their daily needs.

What are you dreams for yourself and for the world's youth?

My dreams are to become a professional in my career, to make this world a better place to live in, and to make sure that people - not only girls and women but also men - live in a secure place free from violence; where there is equality among women and men; where people are free to travel; can openly share their feelings; and are living a better life overall. As there are so many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) today, I am sure that my dreams will come true as the NGOs serve the reflected purpose.   

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