Leading with Heart:The Project That Broke and Built Me!

Sherry Akinyi

When I stepped into the role of Project Lead for the Girls for Safer-Hood initiative at Women Volunteers for Peace (WOVOP) in early 2024, I carried excitement, fear, and a quiet determination. This was my first time leading a project—one supported by the Embassy of the Netherlands through UNDP—and one of the largest WOVOP had ever managed. I had been part of other programs before, but nothing prepared me for the weight of this, the responsibility, and transformation this one would bring. It was bold, complex, and deeply emotional. Still, I said yes—because the mission was clear: to help adolescent girls and young women in Kisumu County live safer, more empowered, and more dignified lives.

I thought I knew what we were up against—barriers to sexual and reproductive health (SRH), gender-based violence (GBV), tech-facilitated abuse, stigma, silence, and systemic neglect. I personally came armed with strategy, compassion, and a sense of readiness. But no amount of preparation could shield me from the heartbreak of hearing stories firsthand: stories of assault, of young dreams cut short by pregnancy, of being blamed for someone else’s violence. I remember sitting in a community circle with a girl younger than me who calmly described being sexually assualted by someone close to her. I nodded. I held space. I went home that evening and cried alone. Over and over, I asked myself: Am I enough for this? Am I strong enough to carry their stories?

But somewhere between the tears and the testimonies, I found a deeper kind of leadership. One that isn’t loud, perfect, or always certain—but one that listens, shows up, and learns. I learned that being present is sometimes more powerful than having answers. That admitting you’re overwhelmed doesn’t make you weak—it makes you real. And most importantly, I learned that transformation often begins at the edge of heartbreak.

A turning point for me came during a media interview i had with two young survivors of GBV—women I had supported—who chose to share their stories publicly. Their voices shook, but they did not break. They spoke not just their truth, but the truth of many. That moment was electric. Their courage moved people to act—others began speaking out, seeking help, realizing they were not alone. That was the moment I knew this work was shifting something deeper than policies. It was shifting culture.

A community dialogue with gatekeepers of Ngege Beach in Kisumu West to discuss strategies for curbing teenage pregnancy, gender-based violence (GBV), and the "sex for fish" practice.

This project didn’t just teach me—it remade me. I learned how to partner with the Beach Management Units, faith leaders, health workers, and men—because building safety means including everyone. I saw how media can deconstruct shame and reshape narratives. And I understood that policies must be rooted in lived experiences, not just data. Helping draft SGBV policy recommendations for the Kisumu County Attorney General was not just advocacy—it was honoring every girl who dared to tell her truth.

As this first phase draws to a close, I know we’ve sown seeds. But many girls—especially those in lakeside communities and sugar belt areas—remain in the shadows. My hope is that WOVOP continues to grow its reach, deepen its partnerships, and invest boldly in psychosocial support. Healing is not a luxury—it is a necessity. Survivors don’t just need services; they need space to feel whole again. And this project, in its own way, began offering that.

To the young women across the world who are leading similar work—whether your project is big or small—lead with empathy. Let the stories of girls guide your steps. Don’t be afraid to feel deeply, to ask questions, or to cry. That is not weakness; it’s how we build movements rooted in care. Every time you sit in a circle, offer a listening ear, or write a report with heart—you are shaping a future where no girl is invisible.

And none of this would have been possible without the incredible team at WOVOP. From our Top Leadership worrking late night to support emergencies , to the field officers who walked long distances to reach girls in remote villages, to the admin staff who kept the engine running behind the scenes, to our passionate volunteers and partners—thank you. Your dedication was the lifeblood of this movement. Leading Girls for Safer-Hood was never a solo act—it was a collective force powered by belief, sacrifice, and love.

Together, we didn’t just implement a project—we built a family, sparked a movement, and proved that when we work as one, even the hardest places can heal.

Now, we are set and rady for phase two. Follow us on all our social media @WOVOP to learn witth us, supportt or work and also contribute to it.

Sherry Brenda Akinyi 

Project Lead, Girls for Safer-Hood (Phase I)

Women Volunteers for Peace (WOVOP)