Precious Victoria is a passionate 12-year-old human rights defender, born in Giminoi village, Vihiga County. She is a fierce advocate for children’s rights; opposing child labor and gender-based violence.
Victoria’s journey into human rights began in 2021, when she courageously stood up for two classmates who were being bullied due to their HIV status. She reported the incident, prompting the school to invite Utubora Community-Based Organization (CBO) for a sensitization session on health rights. Moved by the experience, Victoria approached the CBO leaders, expressing her desire to learn more and ensure her peers understood their rights. As a mentee of Utubora Social Justice Centre she went on to form the Utubora Children’s Club, where she now serves as President. Through the help of Utubora, she has facilitated provision of necessities for school going children including sanitary towels, soap, clothing, underwear and food.
Over the past three years, Victoria has actively championed children’s rights, leading peer-led groups in her school and mentoring fellow students. She facilitates sensitization sessions in schools and churches, empowering children to speak up about abuse, neglect, and stigma. Her advocacy has led to tangible impact such as raising the alarm about a girl being molested by her father, who was subsequently rescued and placed in a safe center. She also mobilizes sanitary pads for girls, helping reduce period shame and build confidence among her peers.
Victoria’s human rights work involves, stigma reduction for children living with HIV, environmental advocacy, including tree planting and animal rights, health rights, especially for children with unrecorded TB cases and creative engagement, encouraging anonymous writing to report abuse and mentorship. In her advocacy for both child and health rights, she has successfully created a network of empowered girls who have overcome period shame in seeking support for their peers. Her peers are confident in giving views and expressing concerns. As a role model she has improved their self-esteem and promoted harm reduction among cases of HIV/AIDS as well as malaria. This demonstrates her commitment and dedication to improving children’s lives and promoting justice.
Precious, often reflecting on what previous advocates may have missed out in their work, believes in critical thinking and problem solving. By interacting with the local social Justice Centre, Utubora, she has been exposed to the use of social media in highlighting her work and reaching wider audiences. Victoria dreams of becoming a lawyer to better serve her community.