Wole Adedoyin interviews Sayyida Ali Shariff Alwy Ali: My Poetry is a Form of Protest Against Injustice
WA: WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO BEGIN WRITING POETRY CENTERED ON HUMAN RIGHTS THEMES?
SAYYIDA: “My motivation to write poetry focused on human rights themes began when I witnessed how boldly Gen Z stood up against bad leadership. Their courage to demand justice and equality inspired me deeply. I wanted to be part of that movement—using poetry as my voice to amplify the struggles and demands of those fighting for their rights. Through my work, I address critical issues like poor governance, corruption, and gender inequality.”
WA: HOW DO YOU DEFINE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN POETRY AND ACTIVISM?
SAYYIDA: “Poetry and activism are deeply connected. Poetry gives me the space to express complex issues with emotional clarity, while activism is about pushing for real change. Through my poems, I hope to inspire both reflection and action on the human rights challenges we face today.”
WA: WHICH SPECIFIC HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES ARE MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU, AND WHY?
SAYYIDA: “I’m especially passionate about gender equality and freedom of expression. These are fundamental rights that shape the kind of society we live in—one where everyone can exist freely, without fear of discrimination or silence. These themes connect with my personal experiences and reflect the challenges many people face.”
WA: CAN YOU RECALL A MOMENT WHEN YOUR POETRY SPARKED A CONVERSATION OR ACTION ON A HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUE?
SAYYIDA: “Yes, I wrote a piece titled ‘The Kenya We Dream Of’, which focused on poor leadership and corruption, while also holding space for hope and change. That poem sparked important conversations about governance and accountability. It showed how deeply these issues resonate with people, and how poetry can fuel dialogue and inspire collective hope.”
WA: HOW DO YOU BALANCE EMOTIONAL EXPRESSION AND POLITICAL MESSAGE IN YOUR POEMS?
SAYYIDA: “I strive to ensure my poetry comes from a place of honesty and emotion, while remaining grounded in the realities I’m addressing. The feelings I express are not just personal—they echo the broader fight for justice, equality, and dignity. That balance helps make the message more impactful and relatable.”
WA: DO YOU FEEL A RESPONSIBILITY AS A POET TO GIVE VOICE TO THE VOICELESS?
SAYYIDA: “Yes, I do. As a poet, I have the ability to shed light on issues that are often overlooked. I feel a deep responsibility to give voice to those who may not have the platform or opportunity to speak out. It’s important for me to use my words to advocate for the unheard and to amplify stories that deserve attention.”
WA: HAVE YOUR PERSONAL EXPERIENCES SHAPED YOUR UNDERSTANDING OR EXPRESSION OF HUMAN RIGHTS?
SAYYIDA: “Absolutely. Growing up, I saw firsthand the inequality that many boys and girls face—whether it's gender bias or lack of access to opportunities. These experiences have greatly influenced my understanding of human rights and strengthened my resolve to raise awareness through poetry.”
WA: HOW DO YOU RESEARCH OR STAY INFORMED ABOUT THE HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES YOU WRITE ABOUT?
SAYYIDA: “I stay informed by reading news articles, following the work of human rights organizations, and watching the news regularly. I also pay close attention to personal stories and firsthand accounts from people affected by injustice. Listening to those voices is essential to writing with authenticity and compassion.”
WA: WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES OF WRITING POETRY ON DIFFICULT OR TRAUMATIC TOPICS?
SAYYIDA: “The hardest part is finding the balance between being raw and truthful while remaining respectful to those whose stories I reflect. Writing about heavy, emotional topics can be overwhelming at times, but I believe it’s important to tell these stories honestly, with care and empathy.”
WA: HAVE YOU FACED ANY BACKLASH OR CENSORSHIP BECAUSE OF YOUR HUMAN RIGHTS-FOCUSED WORK?
SAYYIDA: “Yes, I have. When I shared ‘The Kenya We Dream Of’, I received some backlash. My family reminded me that Kenya doesn’t truly have freedom of speech, and that speaking out could have consequences. Still, I believe it’s essential to challenge the status quo—even when it’s uncomfortable—because silence only allows injustice to continue.”
WA: WHICH POETS OR THINKERS HAVE INSPIRED YOUR ACTIVISM THROUGH LITERATURE?
SAYYIDA: “I draw most of my inspiration from my own generation—Gen Z. We’re passionate about justice, equality, and human rights. I’ve seen how powerfully we use social media and digital platforms to raise awareness and drive change. That collective energy fuels my writing. Through poetry, I want to reflect our hopes and struggles and inspire others to speak out and take action.”
WA: DO YOU SEE YOUR POETRY AS A FORM OF PROTEST, TESTIMONY, OR BOTH?
SAYYIDA: “Both. My poetry serves as a protest against injustice and a testimony to the struggles people endure. Through my words, I aim to challenge the status quo while preserving and sharing the experiences, hopes, and resilience of those fighting for their rights.”
WA: HOW DO YOU ENSURE YOUR WORK REMAINS AUTHENTIC WHEN WRITING ABOUT COMMUNITIES OR STRUGGLES YOU ARE NOT DIRECTLY PART OF?
SAYYIDA: “I ensure authenticity by mentally and emotionally stepping into the shoes of those I write about. I take time to understand their stories, listen deeply, and immerse myself in their perspectives. This approach allows me to write with empathy and respect, ensuring that my poetry truthfully and meaningfully reflects their realities.”
WA: HAVE YOU COLLABORATED WITH NGOS, MOVEMENTS, OR ADVOCACY GROUPS THROUGH YOUR POETRY?
SAYYIDA: “Yes, I have. I’ve participated in poetry competitions like the Gen Z Poetry Competition, which connected me with young people and activists committed to human rights. These platforms allow me to share my work more widely and contribute creatively to meaningful causes.”
WA: WHAT IMPACT DO YOU HOPE YOUR POETRY HAS ON READERS—EMOTIONALLY, INTELLECTUALLY, OR SOCIALLY?
SAYYIDA: “I hope my poetry stirs emotions, provokes thought, and inspires social change. I want readers to feel the weight of the struggles I write about, to think critically about the issues, and to feel empowered to make a difference in their communities.”
WA: DO YOU INCORPORATE LOCAL LANGUAGES, HISTORY, OR CULTURAL REFERENCES WHEN ADDRESSING HUMAN RIGHTS IN YOUR WORK?
SAYYIDA: “Yes, I often incorporate local languages and cultural references to deepen the connection with my audience. It’s important for me to reflect the culture and context of my community, making the message more relatable and impactful.”
WA: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG POETS WHO WANT TO WRITE ABOUT JUSTICE AND EQUITY?
SAYYIDA: “Stay true to your voice, and don’t be afraid to tackle uncomfortable truths. Use your poetry as a tool for advocacy and courageously speak against injustice. Your words hold power—power to open minds, heal wounds, and spark change.”
WA: CAN YOU SHARE A SPECIFIC POEM OR LINE THAT YOU FEEL BEST REPRESENTS YOUR COMMITMENT TO HUMAN RIGHTS?
SAYYIDA: “A line from my poem ‘The Kenya We Dream Of’ says, ‘So to the leaders of today, we have one demand: serve the people or leave the land.’ This line captures my unwavering commitment to accountability and justice. It’s a call for leaders to act with integrity and to prioritize the voices and needs of the people.”
WA: HOW DO YOU NAVIGATE HOPE AND DESPAIR WHEN WRITING ABOUT THE INJUSTICES IN THE WORLD?
SAYYIDA: “It’s always a delicate balance. Writing about injustice can be emotionally exhausting, but I’ve learned that even in darkness, small acts of resistance carry light. I try to weave hope into my poetry, because no matter how heavy the subject, I believe change is possible—and poetry can help bring that change closer.”
WA: WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS THE FUTURE OF POETRY IN HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCACY?
SAYYIDA: “I believe the future is bright. As more young people embrace poetry as a form of activism, its role in human rights advocacy will only become stronger. Poetry has the unique power to challenge, to heal, and to inspire—and it will continue to be a vital force in movements for justice and freedom.”
Sayyida Ali Shariff Alwy Ali is a 16-year-old poet who discovered the power of words during moments of deep emotional distress. What began as a personal refuge through poetry has grown into a vibrant platform for expression, healing, and connection. On her TikTok account, @lakabu_hodari, she shares heartfelt poems that transform pain into power, using her voice to speak to others who may be experiencing similar struggles. For Sayyida, poetry is more than a creative outlet—it is a means of understanding herself and reaching out to remind others that they are not alone. In this interview with Wole Adedoyin, she opens up about her passion for both poetry and activism, and how the two continue to shape her journey and purpose.
