Today’s Service Spotlight comes to us all the way from Jinja, Uganda. I am super excited to introduce Sharitah Nakimuli, the founder of the nonprofit I Am A Girl.
Liz: Let’s start in traditional Smile Project fashion. Give me a “Happiness is.”
Sharitah: Happiness means opening up your heart.
Liz: What is your project?
Sharitah: Many girls in my community were dropping out of school because of lack of sanitary pads, gender stigma and lack of financial support which increased teenage pregnancies, teenage labor deaths, and domestic violence. This inspired me to start I Am A Girl to empower young girls with menstrual hygiene through making their own reusable pads and provide pads for those that cannot afford them, empower them with entrepreneurship skills so that they be financially independent and skills that would help them to freely express themselves. We do this through outreaches in the rural areas in Uganda I want to provide a space where teenage mothers can come together for emotional and physical support.
Liz: What is the driving force behind what you do?
Sharitah: The driving force behind what I do is believing in the power possessed by girls and my passion for young people. I believe that when you empower women you empower the world.
Liz: How can people get involved?
Sharitah: Check out our Facebook page.
Liz: Do you have a favorite quote or piece of advice?
Sharitah: Being yourself is the first step.
