Aisha

Aisha’s mother had her as a teenager. As she grew up and observed similar situations regarding teenage pregnancy amongst her colleagues, she decided to create “De Maos Dadas” (Holding Hands) as a strategy for young peripheral women to learn and receive training regarding sexual education and female empowerment from other women raised in similar communities. The initiative resulted from four years of work in which Aisha facilitated workshops during a project developed in her time during elementary school. At the secondary level, when Aisha decided to take a course in Nursing Technique, she felt capable of leading her own project and engaging health professionals to build content. During the pandemic, this idea has flourished in a virtual environment, as young women have the opportunity to share their knowledge about issues related to female empowerment. The discussion formats are diverse: TikTok videos, classes, debates, among others. Everyone on her team shares various leadership roles dedicated to different areas, each of which are related to the enhancement of skills in technology, sports, and health. With the effort that they have put into this thus far, the project continues to expand. They have already raised funds and support from various organizations, while recruiting volunteers who want a more equal world for girls. The impact of the initiative has been perceived in the lives of several girls, both those who possess leadership roles within the team and those who are supporters. With their helps, girls now report feeling safer in the face of discrimination and harassment.