Championing change through SRHR advocacy and empowerment programs
Gloria Florentine Kimario, an exchange participant from Youth Peace Makers (YPM) Tanzania, embarked on a transformative journey at YWCA Kenya Mombasa branch. Her most significant change during this experience was her profound involvement in interlinking Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) with various critical issues. She began by connecting SRHR with climate change at Shika Adabu primary school and integrated it with Prevention and Countering Violent Extremism, adding entrepreneurship training to her repertoire.
Gloria's impact extended beyond the classroom as she engaged in extensive resource development, including articles, bulletins, videos for campaigns, manuals for mental health programs, and forms. One notable achievement was launching a free counseling program at Jomvu Health Centre, where she provided guidance to over 60 individuals. Her dedication to mental health also extended to training and mentoring teens, youths, and adults in the community. Gloria's advocacy efforts led her to a television interview at Look up TV, where she discussed the crucial connection between mental health and menstrual health hygiene. Additionally, her work was recognized in the YGlobal magazine, where she authored an article on linking SRHR and climate change, focusing on climate mitigation and adaptation issues.
Throughout her journey, Gloria emphasized the importance of partnership and collaboration, working closely with trainers and partners to achieve her goals. She also credited the supportive management team of YWCA Kenya, at the Headquarter and Mombasa branch for her professional growth and enjoyable experience. Gloria's story serves as an inspiring testament to the power of broadening one's horizons and not limiting oneself within a box.