Empowered to empower: A journey of resilience and change

Outside her home made of zinc sheets, on a bustling street in a densely populated village in Kenya, Kema (pseudonym), a Youth Ready participant, shares her story of hope and resilience. As she prepares food for sale, a daily routine that sustains her livelihood, she reflects on the journey that brought her here.

“I am 21 years old and a single mother of two children,” she explains. “I live with my sister and my two children. I was raised by a single mother as well, but my mother abandoned us when I was 14 years old, so I had to learn how to survive on my own. I started hustling to take care of both myself and my sister. I did odd jobs around the neighbourhood, like washing clothes and utensils, just to make sure we had food on the table.”

Kema relayed her past struggles, including being introduced to drugs, marrying early and becoming a mother at the age of 18. When she became pregnant with her second child, her children’s father left for work and never returned.

“He chose to run away from his responsibilities, leaving me to raise [the children] on my own," says Kema. “I don’t want my children to be where I was. I don’t want my sister to fall in the trap I was."

Self-motivated and determined to change her future, Kema enrolled in the Youth Ready Program, a turning point that marked the beginning of her journey toward empowerment.

Cycles of violence and trauma hold women and girls back

According to UN Women global statistics, almost 1 in 6 adolescent girls aged 15-19 years old (16 per cent) who have been in a relationship have already experienced physical, sexual or psychological abuse by a partner before the age of 19. These experiences are often compounded by intergenerational cycles of trauma, leading to outcomes such as single motherhood, heightened vulnerability and entrenched inequality.

Kema’s journey reflects how empowerment can disrupt cycles of shame and hopelessness, unfolding transformation through a powerful story of resilience that shines as a source of hope, not only for herself but also for her family and the youth in her community.

In addition to enduring the trauma of child marriage and the harsh realities of child labour, she also faced the pain of abandonment, first by her mother and later by her husband. These experiences, though deeply painful, reveal a form of emotional and psychological violence that is frequently dismissed or overlooked.

While physical and sexual violence often leave visible signs that can be recognized and responded to, emotional abuse, such as the abandonment Kema experienced, leaves invisible wounds that may be less apparent, yet its impacts can be equally profound and deeply felt.

Kema breaks harmful cycles with support from Youth Ready

Kema’s experience is one of profound resilience, as a young woman who endured and rose above invisible wounds.

“I joined Youth Ready, and it truly changed my life," says Kema. "Through the program, I gained valuable life skills, entrepreneurial skills and learned how to build better relationships with others in my community. These skills gave me the confidence and motivation to start my own business."

Kema opened a small business selling avocados and sweet potatoes. The income from her business helps her to cover rent, pay school fees and still have enough left to take care of her sister’s needs.

“Youth Ready really helped me turn my life around,” Kema adds. She feels especially proud that she has helped her sister to finish high school. “It’s like I’ve done something right. I’m glad I could steer her away from the path I once walked.”

Kema’s courage and call to action

Through her small business, Kema has gone from surviving to thriving. Her story shows that when girls are given the chance to heal and grow, they can break free from violence and become agents of change in their communities.

By sharing her story, Kema’s courage inspires a collective call to action: to listen, to believe and to build systems that protect and empower women and girls, not just in Kenya, but everywhere.

Yearly, November 25 is commemorated as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (VAW). It aims to raise awareness, mobilize action and advocate for the prevention and elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls. Around the world, as part of the global campaign, organizations, governments, communities and individuals use this period to share stories, spotlight issues and promote gender equality and human rights.

Together we can make a difference

It is likely that all of us know at least one woman or girl who has experienced some type of violence. Here’s my shout-out to you: join the global movement to eliminate violence against women and girls. Our collective voice matters, and yes, we can make a difference!

Take a photo of yourself, or gather with friends or colleagues, holding a sign that says NO to Violence Against Women and Girls in recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Then, share it on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter or any platform where your message can inspire others.

When we lift each other up, we create a ripple effect that challenges the culture of silence and opens pathways for healing, justice, and empowerment for others who have faced or are facing similar struggles. I hope to see your pictures, but in the meantime, here is mine for inspiration!

World Vision Canada’s Youth Ready Program, part of the Vision for Vulnerable Youth (VVYI) Initiative, is supported by The Barrett Family Foundation and individual Canadian donors. Operating in 10 countries in Latin America and Africa, Youth Ready equips young people with the tools to pursue education, employment or entrepreneurship.

Learn more:

• Communities Unite. Youth Rise. Futures Change.
• Maria Camila turns her passion into profit
• Margarita's journey to decent work