My name is Salome, a 24-year-old Kenyan. Not only am I a business entrepreneur, but I am also a student, a social worker, a girl mentor, a Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) activist, a mental health advocate, and a referee.

When I decided to open my grocery shop, I shared my idea with my boyfriend, who offered to build the shop and give me five thousand shillings. I spent long hours at the shop, collecting money and giving it to him to keep for three months. However, he kept taking all the money. Things changed when I asked him for money to restock the shop, and he refused. I then broke up with him, which led to him harassing me and belittling my ability to be financially independent.

Despite this setback, I decided to move forward and start another grocery store from scratch. I must say, it wasn’t easy, especially when people started spreading rumors about me being a prostitute because they couldn’t understand how I managed to fund my business. Men often came to my shop pretending to be customers; however332, they had a different agenda. When I rejected their advances, they stopped coming to the shop and resorted to hurling hurtful words whenever they saw me. They claimed that women can only succeed by using their bodies to gain wealth. These hurtful comments were aimed at undermining my determination and success, but I persevered.

I felt like a strong, independent woman since I could now provide for my family, put food on the table, and pay for my siblings’ school fees. Thanks to my hard work, we had decent clothes on our bodies. I felt proud of myself for the first time in a long time.

Life hasn’t been easy, however. My father’s health took a toll on my family, and it seemed like we would never recover from it. I worked tirelessly to ensure my father’s recovery and to be there for my family while they were in the hospital.

Seeking help from a friend led me to volunteer at an organization that provided trauma-healing sessions and life skills. This felt tailor-made for my situation. Through this training, I learned about the cycle of violence that I had been trapped in, its effects on me, and how to boost my resilience and improve my well-being. This experience inspired me to study counseling psychology in college to assist others in similar challenges. Thanks to the organization, I received a scholarship and became the only woman from my group to attend college after high school.

Another incredible opportunity came through Akili Dada, where I joined the Kwale team and engaged in activities under the Urithi program, which focuses on young women’s leadership and feminist empowerment. I also participated in the Regional Leadership Academy, capacity building, and advocacy workshops.

Their influence as the first feminist organization that empowered me as a woman has been invaluable in teaching me about women’s rights to leadership and decision-making. As a result, I have become a better mentor, especially to young girls and women who, through my example, understand the importance of women’s empowerment and the need to eradicate cultural practices that undermine women’s participation, leadership, expression, and financial independence in society.

By Salome.

Disclaimer: We have used a pseudonym to protect the young woman’s identity.