“The conversations you fear the most are often the ones you cannot afford to avoid," says Annette Kavata.
Annette, 19, is a second-year medical student at Aga Khan University, Kenya and the founder of Girl Up AKU, a student-led club dedicated to promoting gender equality and wellbeing. “I saw so many students struggling, going through relationships and challenges they didn't know how to navigate, I wanted to create a space where they could talk without fear or judgement."
Her motivation is deeply personal. Since the age of 16, Annette has been involved in advocacy work with non – governmental organizations, teaching teens about sexual health and emotional wellbeing. She remembers girls dropping out of school after unplanned pregnancies and young people trapped in unhealthy relationships. Those experiences left a lasting mark, shaping her vision of a space where young people could find guidance, understanding, and connection. By the time she joined AKU, she was ready to turn that vision into something tangible.
Girl Up AKU was founded in November 2024 as part of the global Girl Up movement, contributing to a wider network of youth-led advocacy worldwide. It began, as most meaningful things do, with a handful of students united by shared frustrations. Within months, it had grown to more than a hundred active members. But perhaps its most deliberate creation is something you can listen to; a podcast filled with real voices and stories.
“We wanted it to be authentic, real conversations about the things people usually avoid."
Before a single episode was recorded, the team spent weeks simply listening. They moved across campus, gathering candid accounts from students, stories of complicated love and friendships that had turned toxic. They also heard about subtle forms of emotional abuse, so easily dismissed that they often go unnoticed. These were not easy conversations to invite, but they came. They always do when someone finally creates the conditions for them.
With support from AKU, the team was able to use the University studios in Nairobi to record the podcast, giving it a professional platform that amplified their reach. Behind the scenes, a tight-knit group of students works seamlessly. Some coordinate guests and logistics, others host or manage recordings, while Annette alternates as a host herself. “It's a collaborative effort, everyone has a role, but the goal is the same: creating a space where people feel heard."
Beyond campus, the group has taken its mission to local communities. In schools across Meru County, in central Kenya, high school students participate in interactive sessions where they discuss relationships and personal growth openly. Boys and girls alike attend, breaking down barriers that often prevent young men from accessing guidance on emotional intelligence.
“These sessions show that young people crave honest dialogue. They leave understanding that they are not alone, and that it is okay to ask for help."
The team's ambitions stretch beyond the university walls. They hope to grow the podcast, reach more students, and eventually contribute to global conversations on youth advocacy and gender equality. Even in these early months, the impact is tangible: students are learning and building resilience in once silent spaces.
Annette's work is a reminder that courage does not always roar. Sometimes it whispers in small acts like creating a platform and offering support. Through Girl Up AKU and their podcast, she is proving that the conversations we fear the most are the ones that change everything.
