The event at the Daily Beast with Katie Couric was my last event in New York. I felt a little nervous because I know that Queen Rania of Jordan will be there and that our segment will come after hers.  Kakenya* told me “you will shine” to which Yolanda* added “she will be good” and of course there was Helen* who kept saying  “just look in my eyes when you are nervous.” But honestly, they are making me tense. The little nervousness grew bigger and bigger.

Then it was our turn. Katie Couric introduced us to the audience and when she introduced me, she asked me for a “hi 5”. The event seemed to turn informal and I felt a little more comfortable. She is nice. Our hands touched. She started the question with Kakenya –  about her life,  the harmful traditional practice in their country and how she was able to get education. Next questions were for Helen and her organization’s work on early marriage, then to Kathy Calvin. The last questions were for me, about my village and our system of education. My favourite question was whether I have a mentor who inspires me to speak up and be a leader. I told her it is my father.  The audience clapped. I am happy that I was able to talk about my father, his work in the village and his membership with the Men Opposed to Violence Against Women Everywhere (MOVE). Katie Couric told me to relay her thanks to my father.

The last part of the segment was the reading of the Girlafesto with the other girls in the audience.  Afterwards, some approached me, including Kakenya and Helen, and said “oh you were just silent but you have that powerful voice.” One woman also came up to me and told me “I hope to see you again, if not, thank you.” My three friends from Rhode Island (Nikki, Liwa and Kirby) said it was amazing. Hopefully, they are right.

Then it was my time to rest, to relax. Honestly, I cannot remember all the names of the persons I met at the event because all that was in my mind was “it is all over.” Thanks to all who helped me.  Thanks to God.

Note:
*Kakenya and Helen are the two other panellists. Helen is from UNFPA Ethiopia. Yolanda is from the UN Foundation.