When a Girl Finally Speaks, who is Listening?

Yesterday, in a room full of young girls, a question was asked that changed the atmosphere.

It was simple.

It was honest.

And it was uncomfortable.

A young girl asked "What is masturbation?.

Because I try to involve teachers in these conversations, I asked the principal to respond first.

She spoke but deviated drastically from the question and began to advise:

“Focus on your education.”

“Stop thinking about boys.”

I stood there, listening. Not because she was wrong, but because she didn’t answer what was asked and didn't try to get to the intent because she didnt truly listen to our convsersations despite been present and didnt look at our decision card handed to everyone. That moment reminded me of something many young girls experience:

Being spoken to… without being heard.

When it was my turn, I answered simply.

No shame.

No fear.

Just clarity.

The room softened again. After the session, while others were leaving, she waited. Quietly.

Then she came closer and spoke to me. This time, it was not just a question.

Her father’s friend had been hugging her in ways that made her uncomfortable. She had told her mother before but her mother dismissed it.

In that moment, I understood something, she was not just asking for answers. She was looking for someone who would listen.

I told her to speak to her mother again, this time explaining clearly why it made her uncomfortable.

I also gave her another option, to reach out via her mothers phone if she needed help having that conversation.

But more than anything, I wanted her to try again at home because the truth is simple.

When young girls are not heard at home, they do not stop speaking.

They just start speaking somewhere else and that is where the real risk begins.

This is why GreatGold Impact Foundation was born.

This is why we go into schools.

This is why we sit, listen, and create space.

This is why we make sure female teachers are present in our school outreaches because shaping the lives of young girls does not start with talking.

It starts with listening. It starts with making them feel safe enough to speak.

Every mother.

Every aunty.

Every sister.

We all have a role to play.

Because if a young girl does not feel safe with you…

she will find someone else who feels safe enough.

And not everyone who listens… means well.

And if you keep quite because its not your child, one day your child may stand faced with this same issues.

This is where this conversation really begins. 🔥