_4_11zon.jpg)
Hello, my name is Leah Jackob, and I want to share my journey with you. I used to be just another statistic, a young woman in Kisarawe struggling after dropping out of school. With no income and no opportunities, I was highly vulnerable to gender-based violence (GBV). My future seemed bleak, and I felt trapped with no way out. Unfortunately, this is the reality for many young women in my region, but my story took a turn for the better thanks to the Plan B Project.
Plan B is a project designed to support young women like me who are out of school, helping us find economic independence and rebuild our lives. It felt like a dream helper had stepped in when I needed it the most. The program offered training in several critical areas: personal agency, GBV awareness, entrepreneurship, and digital marketing. I eagerly participated, hoping for a second chance to realize my dreams.
During the training, I gained invaluable skills and knowledge. The sessions on entrepreneurship and digital marketing opened my eyes to new possibilities. I learned how to start and run a business, how to market it online, and how to protect myself from GBV. The transformation I experienced was profound. As I absorbed each lesson, I felt myself changing from nothing to something, gaining confidence and a sense of purpose.
After completing the training, I was among 12 young women who had the opportunity to pitch our business ideas for funding. I was both nervous and excited, but I knew this was my chance to turn my life around. To my delight, my pitch was successful! I, along with my friends, received funding to start our business selling food produce (Mama ntilie). This was a monumental achievement for us.
Today, I am proud to say that I am financially independent. Our business is thriving, and this newfound independence has significantly reduced my vulnerability to GBV. I can now stand up for myself and make informed decisions about my life. The economic empowerment I gained through Plan B has given me the strength and resilience to overcome the challenges I once faced.
The Plan B Project has been a lifeline, not just for me, but for many young women in Kisarawe. It has provided us with the tools and opportunities to transform our lives and escape the cycle of poverty and violence. I am forever grateful for this second chance, and I hope my story can inspire other young women to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams, no matter how difficult their circumstances may be.
