Echoes of Change: A UN Journey with Echoes Unheard

 On May 8th, 2025, Echoes Unheard marked a momentous milestone in our journey to amplify the voices of the unheard. We had the extraordinary privilege of stepping into the United Nations headquarters in Gigiri, Nairobi: a hub of global decision-making and a symbol of hope for a better world. This visit was far more than a tour; it was a powerful experience that deepened our understanding of global governance and solidified our commitment to combating gender-based violence (GBV).


An Intergenerational Dialogue with Madam Zainab Hawa Bangura

The centerpiece of our visit was an empowering intergenerational dialogue with Her Excellency Madam Zainab Hawa Bangura, Director-General of the UN Office at Nairobi. In a room buzzing with hope and ambition, Madam Bangura opened up about her remarkable journey and her relentless efforts to address GBV. Her stories were not just eye-opening, they were a rallying cry, reminding us why Echoes Unheard’s mission to give voice to the silenced and empower the overlooked is so vital in today’s world.

Her words carried weight and purpose. She spoke with resilience and vision, embodying the qualities of a true leader. For our delegation, her presence was a spark that ignited a renewed sense of urgency and possibility.


Unveiling Global Leadership

Madam Bangura went beyond sharing her personal story, she pulled back the curtain on the United Nations itself. She explained the inner workings of global governance and highlighted how young people, especially women, can step into leadership roles to influence change. Her message was unequivocal: leadership transcends age and gender. This resonated deeply with Echoes Unheard’s belief that youth are not merely future changemakers but rather are the changemakers of today.

This moment was transformative. Walking the halls of the UN and engaging with such a prominent global leader wasn’t just a privilege; it was a call to action for every member of our delegation, men and women alike, to rise to the challenge.

A Collective Spark

The visit was a catalyst for connection and growth. Our diverse group left with a heightened sense of purpose, inspired to bridge local efforts with global movements. Madam Bangura’s insights equipped us with a clearer roadmap to drive impactful change. We weren’t just listeners that day, we were participants in a dialogue that empowered us to see ourselves as part of something bigger.


A Legacy of Possibility

At Echoes Unheard, we’ve always believed that when young voices are given the space to speak, listen, and learn, they don’t just dream of a better future; they build it. Our visit to the UN headquarters on May 8th was a testament to that truth. It was one of the greatest moments in our journey so far, and its echoes will continue to inspire our work as we push forward in the fight against GBV and the empowerment of youth worldwide.

HOW CAN YOU HELP

This isn’t just our fight it’s yours too. Here’s how you can stand with us:

  1. Visit our website: Dive into the stories, learn about the crisis, and see how you can help at EchoesUnheard Kenya

  2. Share the stories: Use your voice to amplify these unheard echoes. Share our posts, talk about femicide, and challenge the norms that let it thrive. tiktok, Instagram

  3. Support survivors: Know someone affected by gender-based violence? Offer your support and point them to our resources.

Together, we can turn these echoes into a roar for justice. #EchoesUnheard.


Location: Nairobi, Kenya

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