17-year-old Aisha’s curiosity was often stymied by strict social norms. “There are so many taboos between adults and children. Even between my parents and me, I wasn’t allowed to talk about everything.”

A year ago, the taboos began to fall, her curiosity freed. As part of Youth Talk, Aisha joined other children in Bamako to produce radio programs about the country’s socio-political problems. They then visit families, listen to the show with adults, and discuss them together.

“I will never forget the time we went to my family. The topic of the program was education. Usually, adults only listen to their elders, but this time I was able to speak my mind. My parents were so proud and surprised at what we kids had to say. It was liberating; it strengthened our bond to this day.”

Indeed, for Aisha, “having a voice in society starts with your own family.” And it’s never too early to make your voice heard. “I want all parents to be interested in what their child has to say. They may be faced with problems and ask for input from everyone except their child; in reality, children can offer solutions, too.”

Aisha is planning her future and the future of her peers. Youth Talk inspired her to form an association with other young journalists to make children’s voices heard and promote their rights. Through activities such as cleaning a school for children with disabilities, Aisha “wants them to know that we are there, ready to help, to talk.”

The way she is perceived has changed. “When people see me, they call me the reporter, the president, the radio host.” So has the way she looks at herself. “I feel freer; I’ve realized that I’m important for society.”