Kehinde Abereoje (She/Her) - CYGEN Member
This blog is part of an in-depth series led by CYGEN and focused on the theme of resilience. Running through the months of September and October, this series will explore various aspects of resilience in the lead-up to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM)
Resilience, for me, is the quiet strength that keeps you moving forward, especially when the road gets tough. It’s about not giving up, even when the odds are stacked against you, and finding new ways to push through challenges. This is more so relevant in advocacy work around gender equality.
Through my experience I recognise that resilience is not just a skill, it’s a lifeline. Every setback, every ‘no,’ and every uphill battle is a chance to grow stronger, to dig deeper, and to keep the fight alive.
One experience that really tested my resilience was when I launched a sexual health education initiative in a conservative community. Talking about menstruation and sexual health in spaces where it’s still considered taboo was met with resistance—people were skeptical, schools were hesitant, and funding felt like an impossible hurdle. At times, it seemed easier to walk away, but the thought of girls continuing to grow up without understanding their own bodies or rights kept me going.
Slowly but surely, not instantly but gradually, we started gaining trust by the local community, they saw that our work is an impactful work providing solutions to grassroot issues, and the project began to take root.
I recall some instances where it was difficult to stay put, but I learned that one is to stay patient but stay persistent. Change, especially in gender equality, doesn’t happen overnight. Keep pushing forward, no matter how slow progress seems. You can do this, and you should do this by learning how to lean on your allies. You’re not alone in this fight, rely on the strength and solidarity of your community, mentors, and partners who share your vision. They will help you to celebrate your small wins. Every step forward, no matter how small, deserves recognition.
About the Author
Kehinde Abereoje is someone who doesn’t just talk about change—she makes it happen. As the founder of Purple Pact, she’s on a mission to empower girls and women to push past the barriers society throws at them. Whether it's starting a conversation about sexual health in a community where it's taboo, or helping girls discover their leadership potential, Kehinde is all about taking action. Her journey started with a simple but powerful realization: too many girls are held back by outdated norms. Since then, Kehinde has poured her heart into creating opportunities where none existed before. She’s also part of the Commonwealth Youth Gender Equality Network, working with others to make gender equality more than just a dream.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Royal Commonwealth Society.
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