Self-care isn’t just about taking breaks, it’s about sustaining the strength to continue advocating for change
Qamar Kassim Yussuf- Founder and CEO of Northern Counties Community Empowerment
I have always been a driven advocate for women’s rights, especially when it comes to ending Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C). Based in Garissa-Kenya, my grassroots work stems from personal experience, resilience, and a deep desire to help others. Despite the challenges I faced, my journey toward empowerment has also been one of self-discovery, healing, and growth, particularly through my involvement in the Survivors Leadership Training (SLT).
How did I join Survivors Leadership Training?
In 2022, I found myself at a critical juncture. A friend sent me a link to the Survivors Leadership Training (SLT), a program that promised to focus on survivor well-being and leadership, as well as equip us with tools to run support groups, manage projects, and effectively advocate for ending FGM/C. I applied, not fully realizing how transformational the experience would be for me, both personally and professionally. Being selected for the training felt like an opportunity to not only enhance my activism but to truly take care of myself for the first time in years.
Before SLT, I was deeply involved in advocacy work, often at the expense of my well-being. The training taught me that leadership is not just about taking care of others but also about recognizing the importance of self-care. It was a turning point for me, a time when I realized I had to heal before I could continue my work effectively.
What did I learn during Survivors Leadership Training?
SLT was more than just a training on leadership; it was a healing journey. The biggest lesson I learned was that self-care is not selfish but essential. I had been pouring myself into activism, often neglecting my emotional and mental health. Burnout was inevitable, and I had experienced it several times before. But through SLT, I learned how to prioritize my well-being.
I learned the importance of self-care practices such as recognising what brings me joy. For me, hiking, traveling, painting, and spending time in nature, are activities that help me recharge mentally and emotionally. These practices are now non-negotiable parts of my routine because I’ve come to understand that I can’t pour from an empty cup. I also learned how to create safe spaces for others, especially young women, to share their stories, heal, and grow.
Embracing Self-Care
For me, self-care isn’t just about relaxing, it’s about healing. Hiking has become a therapeutic outlet that helps me deal with the trauma I’ve carried from FGM/C. It provides me with a mental reset, a time when I can reconnect with myself and feel a sense of peace. Painting has also become a creative outlet that allows me to express emotions I otherwise struggle to put into words. These are moments where I can step away from my responsibilities and focus on my healing.
The more I prioritize self-care, the more I realize its significance in my life.
But with it, I can continue to grow, heal, and uplift others.
My Call to Action
To other women and girls, I say this: self-care is not a luxury, it’s a necessity, You can’t be your best self whether as a leader, advocate, or friend if you’re running on empty. Take the time to invest in yourself, to heal, and to rest. Whether it’s hiking, painting, reading, or simply taking a moment for yourself each day, self-care is an essential part of your journey.
I want women and girls to know that it’s okay to step back, breathe, and put yourself first sometimes. In a world that often demands so much from us, self-care is the key to sustainability, resilience, and growth. It’s about ensuring that you are mentally, emotionally, and physically well enough to continue the fight for a better tomorrow.
My experience at SLT in 2022 was life-changing. It taught me to be kinder to myself, to prioritize my well-being, and to recognize the power of self-care. As women, especially survivors, we carry so much. But to continue being the advocates, leaders, and change-makers that we are, we must also remember to take care of ourselves. In caring for ourselves, we become stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to care for others.
