Jackline Saleiyan, also known as Jackie Wa Pads, describes herself as a youth leader, mother and menstrual hygiene activist.
Saleiyan is also fighting for the rights of children and young women.
On March 6, her Community Based Organisation, which has been providing sanitary pads to needy adolescent girls in Kajiado, launched a unique day care centre.
The Star spoke to her and here are excerpts of the interview.
What do you do to empower women and girls?
The project initially started by just giving sanitary towels to eradicate sex for pads. So far, we have distributed 38,800 pads to women and girls. Around 400 girls are benefiting on a monthly basis. However, after many interactions with the girls, I saw the need to incorporate mentorship and training on entrepreneurship, basic life skills and adolescent mothers' support. I also teach adolescent girls and young women advocacy. The project also incorporates community dialogues to influence change in socio-cultural norms.
When did you start and how many girls have you rescued?
The project started in 2019. We have so far rescued 40 adolescent mothers some of whom are currently in rescue centres.
At the rescue centres, they are equipped with technical skills to help them when they leave the rescue centres. Last year, we trained 20 on beading skills and sourced out-of-country markets for them. The initiative has empowered them financially and they can now take good care of their families. Some beneficiaries have formed local partnerships and two are working abroad.
What inspired you to start?
The surging numbers of adolescent pregnancies reported in November and December 2018, made me conduct a research. In the research, I discovered that adolescent girls and women were not only having sex for pads but were also being married off when they began their menses. This way, the liability of menstrual products was passed on to the 'husbands'. In the process the girls became children with babies and their education was cut short because many had to give up school to raise children. They were also exposed to sexually transmitted diseases and the the cervical cancer-causing virus, HPV. Basically, their childhood was stolen from them.
What are some of the strides you have made?
Steering this since its inception as a 31-year-old has been a major stride.
What are some of the successes?
We just completed a dialogue series sponsored by media focus on Africa to change socio-cultural norms. Having 20 adolescent mothers go back to school and make use of our daycare, is a huge success.
Other successes are personal such as being elected the youngest board member for the Kenya Alliance for the Advancement of Children Rights. I am also a board member of the Kajiado North Teenage Pregnancy Intervention Committee, Area Advisory Committee, the Communities Against Radicalisation Committee, the Kajiado North Anti-FGM Committee and the FLLOCA ward committee. I am a Daystar graduate, a YALI, and Global Peace Foundation alumni of the Presidents Fellowship fellow.
What challenges have you encountered?
Realisation of justice for the victims, especially when there is no proper evidence preservation, long tedious judicial and enforcement periods that cause victims to lose hope.
I work as a remote virtual assistant and depend on donors for help, so finances are a challenge.
Tell us about some of the awards you have won so far.
In 2022, I won the NCIC peace champion award for my efforts in menstrual hygiene advocacy. I was also awarded for my gender equality advocacy works at the national and county levels in the just concluded International Women’s Day celebrations.
What does this award mean to you?
This is not only my win but a win for all adolescent girls and young women and everyone who give towards the A PACK A MONTH project. I am also glad to be a beacon of hope to the youth.
What prompted you to do the free day care and empowerment centre?
I wanted to help adolescent mothers access education. Helping pregnant teenagers return to school after giving birth is significant in delaying a second birth. It also increases their employment opportunities.
What is the significance of the centre?
Adolescent mothers who have gone back to school drop their babies at the day care in the morning and pick them up in the evening. The centre is also used to train the mothers on various skills.
Where did you get funds and how much did it cost you?
I fundraised through WhatsApp, where friends and family gave generously. I also got help from some organisations.
Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?
I anticipate to have a more spacious girls empowerment centre and help formulate policies that are friendly to the adolescents and young women.