Deep within Kajiado County of Kenya, where the rich Maasai culture thrives, lives a woman whose voice breaks through the quietness. Jackline Sekento Lankas is a symbol of strength, passionate about climate justice and unwavering in her support for the rights of girls and individuals with disabilities.
Jackline’s journey into activism was not merely a choice, but a calling. As a representative of the hearing-impaired community during her college years, she recognized the profound impact she could make by amplifying the voices of those often unheard.
However, just like any other person living with a disability, Jackline has experienced her fair share of challenges. Communication barriers occur from time to time, hindering her advocacy efforts. The lack of sign language interpretation at campaigns and the scarcity of funds increased her challenges. Yet, Jackline has remained undeterred, unwavering in her mission to dismantle these barriers brick by brick.
One of the issues close to Jackline’s heart is the fight against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). She tirelessly educates her community, dismissing misconceptions and advocating for the rights and dignity of girls. Her efforts have borne fruit, with a visible reduction in FGM cases, signifying the power of advocacy and education.
Climate change is another issue that Jackline is advocating for. She has been a witness to the devastating impact on her community’s livelihood as she calls for urgent action. Her plea for tree-planting initiatives and government support aims to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.
As Jackline looks back on her journey, her advice to aspiring activists resonates with wisdom. She emphasizes the importance of forming small groups, seeking funds, and embracing self-acceptance as a major contributor to empowerment. She continues her activism beyond her community, reaching out to those eager to tread the path of advocacy and change.
Watch her story on Shangazi Power: