A Gazi girl’s bold journey to community leadership

My name is Mwatime Rengwa, a proud daughter of the Pemba community in Gazi in Kwale. Today, I stand as a committee member in our Village Water Committee, a treasurer in the Gazi Girls Youth Group, and a confident advocate for girls’ rights.

But my story wasn’t always like this. A few years ago, the thought of standing before an audience terrified me. That changed when YSW identified and trained me as a peer educator. The training opened my eyes and my heart: I discovered my voice, my worth, and my rights.

Now, I am not just aware of SGBV referral pathways—I actively guide others on the process to access justice. Serving on the Water Committee taught me that women can and should shape decisions that impact their communities. It ignited my passion to fight all forms of violence against women and girls.

With the skills I gained, I launched a small business making detergent soap and reusable pads. My earnings support my needs, ease the load on my parents, and most importantly, protect me from vulnerability to sexual exploitation and violence.

Throughout my journey, I have learned this: when a girl is empowered, an entire community rises. And I am determined to keep rising—bringing others with me.”