“I am accepted for who I am.”
Hulaymatou is a 17-year-old girl from She's the First partner Starfish International in The Gambia. Starfish teaches girls to know their worth, to use their voice for good, and to make money on their own terms.
My name is Hulaymatou, and I feel loved here.
I feel loved at Starfish because ever since I became a Starfish girl, my mentors have consistently shown up for me in every aspect of my life, from home to school, and everything in between. I remember a day when I was feeling really down and didn’t want to do anything. My mentors noticed and took action; they wrote several affirmations on the board for me and had my fellow students sing for me. That moment made me feel incredibly loved. I carry this experience with me every day and make it a point to do the same for my friends whenever they’re not feeling okay.
At home, I don’t feel entirely free to be myself compared to when I’m at Starfish. There are times when I have to do things to please my family, even when it doesn’t feel right for me. At Starfish, I am accepted for who I am and encouraged to express myself without judgment. The freedom and support I get from my mentors and peers at Starfish allow me to embrace my true self in ways I often can’t at home. This environment has taught me how important it is to surround myself with people who uplift and understand me.
I know I am a queen, and I act accordingly. I run a small business that allows me to stay financially independent and take care of my basic needs. And no matter how small my contributions may seem, I am consistently serving my community in any way I can, guided by the Starfish values I hold dear.
From one queen to another,
Hulaymatou
The Space to Dream Campaign is about ensuring that girls in every community have a safe place to go where they feel loved and empowered to change the world. She’s the First partners with grassroots organizations like Starfish International, training local women leaders on feminist mentorship, reproductive health education, and girls’ rights.
As a result, girls feel loved, respected, and worthy. You heard it from Hulaymatou best, no matter how small the contribution, our gifts are valuable and important for creating the world girls everywhere deserve.
Will you give a gift to support a future where all girls feel loved like Hulaymatou?
