I am Generation Equality: Georgina Kerubo, gender and climate activist, Generation Equality Girls Steering Committee member

I am Generation Equality because…
I believe in the power of young women to transform their futures and create a more just and sustainable world. My name is Georgina Kerubo, a 21-year-old climate and gender activist from Kenya, and my mission is to make a difference in my community. From the age of 17, my activism has stemmed from the challenges faced by many young women around me, inspiring me to focus on Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), Gender-Based Violence (GBV), economic empowerment, and mental health. They do shed light on some of the most relevant challenges within our societies, and I do feel they are all connected and important to our well-being.

Activism and Areas of Focus
My activism started with a focus on SRHR and mental health. As a peer supporter, I promote the importance of menstrual hygiene management, which may be taken for granted but is remarkably important in ensuring health and dignity among young women. I also focus on mental health, knowing that young women face immense emotional and psychological pressures.

In addition to my work in SRHR and mental health, I volunteer with a local organization that creates safe spaces for GBV survivors.  Here, I facilitate discussions that allow women and girls to share their stories, and to access   key resources in their communities. I strongly believe that creating these safe spaces for survivors to express themselves and to heal from their experiences, is essential

Climate Activism
Besides championing health and safety, I am passionate advocate for climate justice. As the African representative of the Oversight Committee of the Global Young Greens, I am committed to ensuring that young women participate in climate discussions. This is the time for young women to have a set at the table of global conversations about sustainability and climate action, because climate change disproportionately affects marginalized groups, women and girls. As representative of the Committee, I have the opportunity to amplify the experiences of young people and show how climate change is impacting their lives and futures. I firmly believe that we can build sustainable policies that truly reflect the needs and voices of young women.

Organizational Impact: Building Economic Empowerment and Sustainability
Currently, I work at Isisa Foundation as a Sustainability Coordinator, where we focus on empowering women through economic independence and sustainability. This mission aligns with the commitments of Generation Equality, by upcycling materials to create sustainable fashion, among other products. We train women and young girls, particularly from marginalized communities, to be financially independent while also promoting waste reduction and environmental conservation.
The women we work with become more self-assured and financially independent. By giving them the tools to succeed, we are breaking down the structural obstacles that perpetuate inequality

Benefits from Generation Equality
Being part of the Generation Equality movement has presented me with opportunities to join global conversations and amplify the voices of women and young people. One of the biggest challenges we face as activists, is gaining access to the spaces where decisions are made.  Generation Equality has provided me a forum through which we can voice these concerns and fight for meaningful change. This support has increased my commitment to creating change in our communities by adding my voice to issues affecting young women.

How You Can Support to Promote Generation Equality
There are many ways to support our mission. Building awareness of gender equality and the challenges faced by young women is a crucial first step. People can support by volunteering, donating to our cause, or simple spreading the word on social media. Let's nurture a culture of cooperation and mutual support so that all young women have a more equal future.

I am hopeful and I committed my life to contributing to the change, through activism. Together, we can create a more just and sustainable society where women are heard, empowered and given the opportunity to thrive. Let’s walk hand in hand to make the vision of Generation Equality a reality.

QUOTE "We can use the strength of our united voices to advocate for the rights of young women and nurture a tomorrow where every person can instigate change." — Georgina Kerubo