In a world where media often overlooks the stories of young women, More to Her Story (MTHS) exists to bridge the gap. As a journalist, I have dedicated my career to amplifying the stories of young women and girls. However, my goal is not only to shed light on their struggles but also to celebrate their resilience and ideas.
My journey into journalism and advocacy is deeply personal and driven by her experiences traveling to 40 countries and growing up in the Middle East. My time spent in refugee camps across Jordan, Kenya, and Europe has provided her with firsthand insights into the lives, hopes, and dreams of displaced young women.
More to Her Story: The Initiative
I launched More to Her Story (MTHS) in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. MTHS started as a platform for young women and girls to express themselves. In the past six months, it has evolved into a global news agency aimed at bringing the voices of young women and girls to the forefront of the news cycle. The initiative operates on multiple platforms, including written journalism, podcasts, and social media, reaching upwards of a million people each month.
Showcasing Resilience
One of the core missions of MTHS is to showcase the resilience of young women living in challenging environments. Here are a few stories that MTHS has highlighted:
- Elizabeth from South Sudan: Born in Kakuma Refugee Camp, one of the largest refugee camps in Africa, Elizabeth faced societal challenges after the death of her father. In her culture, losing a father often leads to a loss of protection for girls. Despite the pressures to marry early to avoid stigma, Elizabeth chose to prioritize her education and freedom. Her story underscores the importance of education and the need for societal change to support young women in similar situations (The Elders).
- Olena’s Diaries from Ukraine: 28-year-old Olena shares the intimate diaries that she has kept since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine with MTHS. Her entries provide a raw and personal perspective on the war’s impact on her daily life and fears.
- Benazir from Afghanistan: Benazir’s story is a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of Afghan girls. Rallying her peers, Benazir fought to continue her education, pushing her way into school and defying the Taliban’s ban on girls’ education.
A Call to Action
More to Her Story provides a platform for young women to share their stories and serves as a call to action for policymakers and the global community. Through MTHS, young women around the world have the opportunity to make their voices heard, especially at a time when we need to listen to them the most.
Author: Sarah Little
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