Who is Vilda Atieno?

My name is Vilda Atieno. I am a young feminist woman with a disability from Kenya, passionate about inclusion through an intersectional lens. I am the founder of Women and Girls with Disabilities in Action.

Growing up, I faced a lot of discrimination and neglect from my community. I feel like I had to mature very fast just to adapt to the challenges around me. But when I finally reached a place of acceptance, I made a promise to myself to do something that would uplift another girl, another woman.

Challenges and Triumphs

Being a woman, being young, and having  a disability has come with many challenges. I feel that poverty has been a major contributing factor to this,Let me tell you a story.After high school I had passed my exams and now it was time to join university, being the first one having stepped to secondary and also joining campus in my family. 

In the process of search of school fees, I happened to be a survivor of gender-based violence. This happened between 2019 and 2020 when I was struggling to raise my school fees. It took me a long time to speak about it. At that time, I was still on my journey of self-acceptance, and it was not easy.

It was a very tough period in my life—one I now see as a turning point. Around the same time, COVID-19 had become a global pandemic, which made everything even more difficult. But despite it all, I kept going.

Achievements and Influence

For me, one of my greatest achievements is being able to stand out and speak up on issues that matter most to me. I have found my voice in advocating for persons with disabilities, and I am intentional about lifting other women as I grow.

Defining Success Beyond Accolades

Success, to me, is doing the right thing even when no one is watching. It is believing that the work you are doing will one day be appreciated and recognized, even if it takes time.

Impact on Community

Yes, there has been a moment when my work made a real impact. I ran a safe space for women and girls with disabilities in my community under the Make Way programme, where I served as a youth panelist.When the programme came to an end in 2025, it was clear that the empowerment pillar had succeeded. The women were now able to stand on their own, engage in advocacy, and actively contribute to advancing the inclusion agenda. That, for me, was powerful.

Advice to My Younger Self

I would tell my younger self: get a mentor. Keep going even when things don’t work out. One day, your consistency will pay off.

Staying Grounded and Motivated

Journaling once in a while keeps me grounded—it’s my “me time.” I also plan my weekly activities to stay on track, while still allowing space for flexibility.

I also make time to work out or take walks, which helps me stay fit and build my confidence.

My Mantra

Nothing is impossible when you keep trying. Make good use of today, and tomorrow will fall into place.

Looking Ahead

I am excited about continuing to grow in my advocacy work—speaking up for what I love most and being intentional about holding the hand of another girl coming behind me.

I am also excited to see my organization grow and to build more collaborations with partners who share the same vision.

Message to the Next Generation

I know there is a woman somewhere right now wondering if anything good can come out of her life. I want to tell you this: with the right support, things will work out. Keep going.