Breaking the Cycle: Stacey’s Rise from Survivor to Community Leader

At just 18, Stacey from Kayole in Nairobi County had already endured more hardship than many face in a lifetime. Growing up in a home plagued by unemployment, she fought hard to complete high school, often missing weeks of classes when her family couldn’t afford the fees.

But even after finishing school, her future seemed uncertain. There was no money for college and no job opportunities in sight. Desperate for stability, Stacey turned to her boyfriend for emotional and financial support. What began as a search for comfort soon led to an unplanned pregnancy, and under the weight of family pressure and disappointment, marriage seemed like the only path forward.

However, marriage brought no relief. The man she once trusted became abusive- verbally and physically. Shouting turned into beatings, and on several occasions, she and her child were thrown out into the night. The violence and fear stripped Stacey of her safety, dignity, and sense of self. Her world was closing in, until a chance encounter changed her path.

During a community outreach session on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), a peer educator from Sisbros of Zion Community Based Organisation (CBO) met Stacey and invited her to join a women’s support group. It was in this space that Stacey first learned about her rights and the possibility of reclaiming her life. Through the Gender-Based Violence prevention program, she was connected to a safe space and received much-needed support. It was a turning point for her.

Determined to rebuild, she joined the economic empowerment program and enrolled in hairdressing and beauty training at their youth skills centre. As her confidence grew alongside her skills, Stacey began to see herself as someone capable of leading change. Her leadership potential quickly became evident, and she was trained bs a Peer Educator. Now, she champions youth rights, advocates for SRHR, and raises awareness about GBV prevention within her community.

With support from YSW and Sisbros CBO, Stacey’s youth group received a small grant to start a beauty salon, an initiative that has since given her financial independence and a renewed sense of purpose. Free from violence and able to support her child, Stacey is now a respected community leader and role model for other girls in Kayole.