Hear my voice and my cry!

By Wanjala Wafula

( Founder-CEO of the Coexist Initiative- visit www,coexist,co.ke))

Ours has been a life dedicated to self sacrifice and dedication toward transforming the world for the better. It’s been a struggle for justice and coexistence. I have given a voice to the voiceless, marginalized and the abused. I have worked hard to stand in the gap between those who imagine that they are privileged (men and boys) and those socialized to accept subservience (women and girls) in Africa. Like many others before me, I left it all for the sake of what I believe in and I know that one day, I shall pay the ultimate price for it.

Many people appreciate the work we do but that is all they do. For years, I have endured the burden of ensuring that the Coexist Initiative sails through the turbulent seas of financial constraint. I have sold personal belongings to cover costs and I have had to walk miles on foot to deliver a message to the masses that violence against women and girls belonged to the dark ages. I am happy that over 300,000 men and boys across Africa are now happy to call themselves TRANSFORMED.

I am still motivated to go on working because our efforts have resulted in the eradication of some harmful traditional practices like child marriage and female genital mutilation in many communities. Women and girls now feel safe both at home and in public spaces. Girls and women have a voice in economic, academic and political spheres. Men and boys are shading off the shackles associated with patriarchy and negative masculinity.

I will be forever be grateful to the higher power that we were able to work with Somali communities in promoting girls education and that 65,000 girls went back to school after being forced out initially. We are grateful that many people and organizations around the world consider some of our work as best practice. I am delighted that we have won seven global awards and recognition and yet determined to go on.

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