As girls, we’re often taken for granted and just have to accept decisions made by older people. That’s why I wanted to be part of the takeover last year and use it as a platform to tell the world that we exist, we should be heard, and that we have power too.
In Nicaragua, I present a local radio show that is popular among the indigenous community. The show tackles a range of social issues affecting my people and my community. From teen pregnancy to domestic violence, to human trafficking and sexual and reproductive health.
On International Day of the Girl last year I travelled to Spain with Plan International and took over Radio Raribe. It was hugely exciting because I love everything that has to do with communications and being able to express myself freely and this was a whole new audience.
Addressing the Spanish Parliament
Traveling to Spain was a great experience. One of the most powerful moments during my trip was when I addressed the Spanish Parliament. I’ve always liked speaking out and that was the ideal moment to do it. As I spoke to the Spanish Parliament I felt I was voicing the thoughts of girls from around the world.
As I was giving my speech I felt excited but completely sure of myself which encouraged me to tell everyone to help girls and to remind them that we exist and have voices too. I felt very happy and fulfilled.
Issues facing girls in Nicaragua
One of the most pressing issues for girls in my community is teenage pregnancy. A number of Miskito girls of my age are already teenage mothers or pregnant. And in the majority of cases, it is not by choice.
I want to be a leader in my country – I know that I already am – but I will stick to my path
I go door to door in my community and speak to teenage girls and boys about sexual abuse, teenage pregnancies and many other issues. We have now formed a small youth group and hold regular informal discussions with young men on how to treat girls with respect and how to act responsibly.
I’ve helped many girls overcome their fears, and speak up about abuse. By helping these girls I feel stronger, and I help other girls to be strong too.
I am a leader
From my takeover experience, I learned to have a wider view of the world and to trust myself. I’m a girl that knows what she wants and what she has to do. My life is completely different - now I have friends in India, Colombia and Nepal!
I want to be a leader in my country – I know that I already am – but I will stick to my path to help and above all defend the rights of my people.
Stories from friends, neighbours, cousins and others have motivated me to fight for girls’ rights because girls are not only subject to sexual abuse, but are also discriminated against because of their gender and ethnicity.
There are many reasons for which I fight for girls’ rights. They’re all interconnected and I know for a fact if we all work together, united, we can defend girls’ rights.
#GirlsTakeover
On International Day of the Girl this year, there are over 1000 girls are stepping into the shoes of leaders to demonstrate their strength, power and ability to change the world.
