I’m 20 years old young woman called Chelsea Gaison who stays in Likonia Whitehouse. Currently I’m studying Sociology at the University of Zimbabwe. I’m now a trained leader who is determined, confident, and courageous. During the LEMHs training programme we learnt about Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), Advocacy, personal leadership planning and ICT. Action plan and Personal Leadership Plan helped me to shape my career goals in the sense that it gave me a moment to reflect on who l want to be, when and how. It also helped me to communicate between myself and my goals so as to have a clear vision of my plans.
The LEMHs programme facilitators inspired me the most, their stories, their journeys, achievements and the way they presented themselves, they were so humble. This motivated me to realize my full potential and that the sky is the limit.
From all the thematic areas that are within the LEMHs training programme, my passion lies on the issues to do with Sexual Health and Reproductive Health Rights. l have a passion in working with young women who are suffering harassment from health practitioners in maternity wards and hospitals in general to know their rights on SRHR such as the right to privacy and right to access appropriate health care services. The SRHR session gave me a clear understanding pertaining the rights that are pinned specifically to sexual health and reproductive health.
I have learnt that a leader should be able to multi-task, confident, knowledgeable, considers other people’s views and solve conflicts amicably which I am applying in my day to day activities. I now see my self as a very confident young woman because before the training l was a very shy person who couldn’t stand in front of many people but the training boosted my confidence. I’m planning to educate young women on SRHR in my community for them to know their rights.
In the next 10 years, as a trained empowered LEMHs Alumni , l see myself as a prominent social worker who will stand for, the marginalized young women especially those whose are victims of domestic violence so as to create a safe place for them by providing free counseling. ln the next 10 years l would also see myself working with young children and young adults as a mental health counselor.