In a powerful display of advocacy, Kajiado activist Jackline Saleiyan, known as Jackie Wa Pads, has brought attention to the urgent issue of gender-based violence during her participation in the UNs Summit of the Future.
Jackie was honoured to be the guest speaker for the Menstrual Equity Coalition at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) during her U.S. tour while attending the summit.
On the first day of the summit, she spoke passionately on the theme of gender equality for adolescent girls and young women, emphasising that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 will require a multilateral approach.
With just six years remaining until the 2030 target, we must prioritise collaboration to empower adolescent girls and young women, she stated. Their advancement is critical to achieving the SDGs.
Saleiyan also shared her organisation’s journey to combat period poverty and gender-based violence in her community.
Her Organization,A Pack a Month has been providing vulnerable adolescent girls with sanitary towels with a mission to end the cycle of sexual exploitation linked to inadequate access to menstrual hygiene products.
Since its inception, the organisation has distributed over 48,000 sanitary towels, rescued and rehabilitated 40 adolescent mothers, and successfully reintegrated them into their communities.
The organisation also runs Kenya’s only youth-led free daycare for adolescent mothers, allowing them to attend school while their babies are cared for. Additionally, A Pack a Month has contributed to various bills and policies through memorandum and policy reviews, while sourcing markets for adolescent mothers and young women to sell beaded ornaments.
The summit also highlighted the necessity of integrating women into technology and digital spaces. However Saleiyan comments cautioned against overlooking potential risks.
While the digital realm can empower, it can also facilitate online sexual exploitation, she warned, calling for protective measures for these vulnerable groups.
She also highlighted a pressing concern as many communities still lack access to basic digital resources, which limits their ability to benefit from technological advancements.
Without access to digital tools, these communities are left behind, further entrenching cycles of poverty and violence, she asserted.
In recognition of her impactful work, Saleiyan has received several accolades, including the Kajiado County Gender Departments Gender Equality and Women Empowerment Award from His Excellency President William Ruto, a spot on Donors for Africa’s Top 50 African Women in Development list, and an honour from the U.S. Embassy during Womens History Month.
Saleiyan also actively participates in multiple boards and committees, including the Kenya Alliance for the Advancement of Children, Kajiado North Teen Pregnancy Intervention Committee, Area Advisory Committee, and Kajiado North Anti-FGM Committee,Kajiado Gender Advocacy network among others. The impact of her work is evident; one pilot school supported by A Pack a Month recently reported zero new adolescent pregnancies and improved mean scores among girls.
Jackie Wa Pads journey exemplifies the power of grassroots activism in shaping global conversations and driving meaningful change. The fight against gender-based violence is far from over, but with dedicated voices rising to the occasion, hope remains strong. As she continues her advocacy, Saleiyan remains committed to creating a future where every young woman can thrive, free from exploitation and fear.
