Meet Mary

Mary is a young leader. And her story shows how young people are willing and able to step up and drive change.

She lives in an informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya. At 19, she experienced an ectopic pregnancy. As it was happening to her, she was unaware of what that was and the dangers it presented to her health.

She says: “At the time, I had scanty information about pregnancy.”

She was young and the doctor treating her refused to explain what was happening to her – compounding her trauma. He said – “you’re too young to understand.”

(Pictured right: Mary Kamwende (c) Amref Health Africa/Steve Kagia)

The turning point

This was a turning point for Mary. The doctor’s dismissive response left Mary feeling powerless.

During her recovery, Mary was determined to learn more about what had happened to her – and why.

She found Youth in Action.

Youth in Action, or Y-ACT, is a programme supported by Amref which helps young people across Africa fight for change on the issues that matter to them, from health to employment to education.

Ibrahim Kamara, Youth Advocacy Coordinator for Y-ACT, presenting at a conference in Sierra Leone (c) Amref Health Africa/Steve Kagia

The space to lead

Y-ACT follows a training and mentoring model that helps young people to build their knowledge of their rights, public policy and advocacy, and how to work effectively together as a network.

Because, when young people are equipped with the right knowledge and skills, they have the confidence to speak out. When they speak out, they ensure that their voices are heard by the people making decisions about their bodies and their futures – whether that is locally, or at the national level.

For Mary, Y-ACT gave her space to learn how to lead.

Personal trauma to public leadership

Her training in public speaking, advocacy and community engagement helped her to share her own story in ways that would create the most impact.

Today, Mary is an outspoken youth advocate in her community. She works with local youth organisations and regularly speaks at public forums and national conferences.

She educates her peers on contraception, pregnancy complications, menstrual hygiene and the dangers of misinformation.

“I embarked on this journey out of the recognition that everyone needs comprehensive sexual health education.”

Mary Kamwende, powerful youth leader

Because of Y-ACT, Mary transformed personal trauma into public leadership. It gave her the platform and the tools to raise her voice.

Through her courage, she inspires others to share their stories and demand change.

Her journey reflects the power of investing in youth-led advocacy. When young people are informed and supported, they don’t just change their own lives, they have the power to speak out to change entire systems.

Banner image: Mary Kamwende and fellow Y-ACT advocates during a radio talk show (c) Amref Health Africa/Steve Kagia