WVA’s Community Manager, Liza Katsiashvili sits down with Dorothy Sanda, a 37-year-old Kenyan graduate of the 2021 WVA Academy. She shares her incredible story and work with marginalized communities and how the Academy helped her to grow as an activist and change perceptions about vaping.

What is your vaping story?

I work with marginalized communities in my country and through my daily interactions with the local communities, I have seen families being destroyed and lives being lost because of smoking. These communities have little or no knowledge of vaping as a safer alternative. In my bid to improve the livelihood and health of these marginalized people, I felt the need to stand for vaping and push for it to be used as an option by the local government for those who want to quit smoking.

How has vaping changed your life?

In my interaction with the marginalized communities in my country, I have interacted with many who have smoking-related issues and have been looking for a safer alternative. I have shared with them about vaping and I have seen their lives changing for the better. That has made me have a sense of fulfilment, that I can be of help to those who desperately need it and that makes it all worthwhile.

What has been your experience with WVA Academy? What did you learn?

I have really enjoyed the sessions very much. They have been very informative. I have learnt how different activists push for vaping in their various countries and I have picked some key tips from them. I have also learnt how I can engage politicians to be involved in pro-vaping campaigns and also how to conduct protests and awareness through social media especially in this time of the global covid-19 pandemic.

Why do you think it is important to stand for vaping?

Vaping is a safer alternative that improves one’s well being socially, physically, emotionally and mentally and I strongly believe it is very important to stand for vaping. Vaping saves lives.