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The unsung hero: An interview with Florence Keya
"To the girls she serves, Florence is the adult she needed but never had. She’s the kind of hero who rarely makes headlines but changes lives in lasting ways."
An interview with Dr. Daniela Ligiero, Founder, Brave Movement.
When I met with Florence for this interview, she had just come from responding to a crisis—a young girl in her community had been sexually assaulted, and those responsible for protecting her had failed to act. In fact, they were trying to cover up the crime and accuse her of lying. Without hesitation, Florence stepped in, activating her network to remove the girl from harm and ensure she received the care and support she needed.
This is what Florence does. Day in and day out, she works directly with girls facing violence and trauma, making sure they are not alone. She offers her time, energy, and compassion not for recognition, but because it's what’s right.
Florence is the founder and CEO of Maisha Girls Safe House (MGSH) in Kenya—a grassroots organization she established in 2016, grounded in her own experience as a survivor of sexual violence as a child. MGSH offers a continuum of care and protection to girls under 19 who have experienced sexual violence or are at risk of human trafficking.
The safe house is at the heart of this work, providing temporary shelter, psychosocial support, medical referrals, legal aid, education support, and family reintegration services. Since its inception, MGSH has supported over 700 girl survivors across Kenya, offering healing, justice, and hope. Florence and her team also operate community-based safe spaces in vulnerable areas and advocate tirelessly to prevent sexual and gender-based violence.
Florence's presence in the Brave Movement—since the earliest days of SAGE—has grounded us in community, purpose, and action. We’re profoundly grateful she said yes.
Below is our conversation, in her own words.
What are you most proud of in your life?
Honestly, just being alive today and doing this work fills me with pride. I've come from very far. There were times I didn’t think I’d make it. But here I am.
I'm proud of my little family. I have two daughters and a son. They are my motivation. They keep me grounded and give me a reason to smile, even on the hardest days. Raising children while doing activist work isn't easy. It requires balance, patience, and deep strength, but they remind me daily why this work matters.
I’m also proud of the friendships and networks I’ve built. These aren’t just professional relationships—they’ve become family. They've carried me through things my biological family couldn’t.
"Through Brave and other survivor networks, I’ve built a circle that truly understands and uplifts me. I’ve learned to ask for help, to lean on others, and to celebrate each other’s wins."
Why did you choose to join as a co-founder of the Brave Movement?
At first, I was skeptical. A global movement? I wasn’t sure how I’d fit into something so big. But when I got interviewed by you and Tabitha Mpamira, I saw an opportunity to grow, to connect, and to finally feel seen. It was also the first time I’d heard about a space created specifically for childhood sexual violence survivors. That felt different. That felt necessary. I didn’t know exactly where it would lead, but I said yes. And I’m so glad I did.
It was one of the first spaces where I didn’t feel like I had to explain myself. Everyone there just got it. That sense of instant understanding—it was healing. Brave showed me that even if we’re in different countries, speaking different languages, our stories echo each other. There’s a shared pain, but also a shared power. That’s what drew me in.
How has being part of this movement impacted you and your work?
Brave gave me belonging. I’m not alone anymore—I’m part of SAGE, part of something bigger. And that visibility has mattered. Since joining, I’ve been invited to speak in places I never imagined. I even did a BBC interview! That moment made me realize: our voices matter globally.
Beyond visibility, Brave helped me grow. I started researching, learning, and preparing for meetings in ways I hadn’t before. I wanted to show up informed and strong. I also started to see the value in my own self-care. In the beginning, I used the honorarium I got paid to be part of SAGE to pay school fees for the girls that I support in my organization. It wasn’t until after trauma and self-care trainings that I realized—I matter too. Now, I take a little bit for myself, and I don’t feel guilty about it. That shift changed how I show up in my work and in my life.
I also began thinking more strategically. Before, I just wanted to help people survive. Now, I’m thinking about systems. About policy. About long-term change.
"Brave helped me understand how advocacy can ripple from local to global and back again."
What brings you joy?
My hobbies shift depending on the season! Sometimes I love reading, other times I lose interest. Lately, I’ve fallen in love with long drives. Being behind the wheel, music on, wind in my hair—it’s become a space where I can feel free. I talk to myself, sing, shout… it’s healing. I used to be scared of driving, especially long distances, but now I realize I can do it—and I love it. It's been incredibly liberating and freeing, like I’ve unlocked a new part of myself.
What brings you hope right now?
The awareness that’s growing. More people are speaking out. More campaigns are happening. More people know that child sexual violence is a crime. That gives me hope. I truly believe we are on the path to ending it.
Also, seeing survivors step into their power—starting organizations, getting degrees, running for office—that gives me hope. Brave is helping unlock that potential.
Where do you see the Brave Movement in 10 years?
I believe Brave will have swept the world. We’ll be a global force. When I visit the Brave website now, I’m blown away by how much is happening. It’s moving fast. We have the best people driving this work. In 10 years, I see Brave being everywhere—driving policy, changing minds, saving lives.
I hope we’ll have more chapters across countries—survivor-led, community-rooted, and fiercely supported. I want to see us on TV, in parliament halls, in classrooms. Brave should be a household name—a symbol of healing and action.
What message do you want to leave for readers?
Everyone can play a role in ending child sexual violence. You don’t have to be a survivor. You don’t have to be a frontliner. Just speak up. Talk about it. Don’t look away. Being a good bystander can change everything. Wherever you are, you have the power to help end this.
Don’t wait for a perfect moment. Use the voice, resources, and influence you already have.
"If you are a survivor—know that your experience isn’t too small or too broken to matter. You are enough. You are powerful. And you are not alone."
Stay tuned for more interviews with our co-founders as we continue to spotlight the power of survivor leadership in the Brave Movement.
