If provided with opportunities, skills and knowledge; change begins with girls themselves (NASO concept)

Nkhotakota AIDS Support Organisation trained 25 adolescent girls from 8 districts in Malawi namely Nkhotakota, Nkhatabay, Salima, Ntchisi, Blantyre, Karonga, Mchinji and Mzimba in advocacy skills so as to be able to speak for themselves on issues affecting them as individuals as well as speak for their fellow girls.

It was quite inspiring to see that girls were able to utilize the skills gained right away within the training period; after hearing a story from Zodiak radio station one of the renowned national radio stations in Malawi, that one magistrate acquitted a rape perpetrator on the basis that this 10 year old girl did not feel pain.

One could see how these girls deeply were concerned about this. This was evidenced more by one of the girls who said that and I quote; ' where can we girls go to for security then if even those that are supposed to protect us are victimizing us the more. We feel embarrassed and betrayed really.'

Their cry was published in the daily times news paper for people to hear their lamenting voices. Their voices contributed to re-detention of this man but unfortunately he was on the run; but the case was revisited. See the attached published article.

In this case, NASO empowered these girls and provided an opportunity for them to be heard; of which they immediately showcased their gained skills.

So lets empower girls because indeed there's nothing for them without them!