Our Story

Light a Girl Initiative was born out of pain, resilience, and hope. Our co-founder, Sally Jepchumba Cheserek, grew up in Elgeyo Marakwet County, where harmful cultural practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and early marriages are still considered a norm. At just 11 years old, she was cut by her family—people who loved her but believed they were preparing her for womanhood. Like many girls, she grew up believing that this was a rite of passage. Everything changed in 2022, when Sally attended the Strengthening Leadership Training (SLT). For the first time, she learned that her story mattered, that survivors could speak out, and that FGM was not culture—it was a violation of human rights. This healing experience gave her the courage to reclaim her voice and turn her pain into purpose. In April 2023, Sally co-founded Light a Girl Initiative. The vision was clear: to break the silence, to stand up for girls, and to ensure that no child in her family or community would have to go through what she endured. Today, Light a Girl Initiative is more than an organization—it is a movement of hope. We empower girls with knowledge, create safe spaces for survivors, and work with communities to challenge harmful traditions. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to light the path for every girl to grow up free, whole, and empowered.