Nairobi, 11th October 2024
Nairobi City County today commemorated the International Day of the Girl (IDG) 2024 with a special event at Githurai Social Hall. The event’s aim was to amplify the voices and visions of girls and young women while advocating for comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) and supportive policies. IDG is observed annually.
County Executive Committee Member for Inclusivity, Public participation and Customer Service Ms. Rosemary Kariuki while acknowledging this year’s theme “Girls’ Vision for the Future” stated that International Day of the Girl Child focuses its attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and promote girls’ empowerment and fulfilment of their human rights.
“Today, we are here to recognize and celebrate the dreams, aspirations, and visions of girls worldwide, for they are not merely dreams they are blueprints for a future built on equality, justice, and prosperity. Girls have always been powerful agents of change, but too often, their voices have been silenced, their talents overlooked, and their futures shaped by others. Today, we are here to affirm that those days are behind us.” She Said.
The County Executive went on to state that the county is committed to creating a community where girls, regardless of their background, can thrive. A society where every girl feels seen, heard, and empowered to pursue her dreams.
Said Ms. Rosemary, “As a county, we are committed to ensuring that girls are at the center of our development agenda. We will continue to invest in programs that promote education for girls, that protect their rights, and that helps open doors to opportunities that empower them to lead. We will work tirelessly to remove the obstacles that stand in the way of their dreams.”
While Distributing 1500 Sanitary pads to the girls, County Chief Officer for Gender and Inclusivity Ms. Maryam Dahir reiterated the sentiments of the CECM stating that Nairobi County has made several interventions to address the challenges faced by the girl child and the County has collaborated with stakeholders in programs addressing the plight of the girl child.
She said, “There’s no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women. In this future, a girl’s worth cannot be defined by her gender, but by her talents, skills, and character. She will have equal access to opportunities in education, in leadership, in business, in technology, and in every field imaginable. I want to assure you of the commitment of our able Governor on matters Gender. Let us continue to work together across government, partners, communities, and families to build a future where every girl can realize their full potentials.”
Ms. Jane Gichure Deputy Director Gender was one of the advocates who sat in a panel discussion seeking to address menstrual health management and reinforce the importance of girls staying in school, avoiding unplanned pregnancy, building life skills and other vital issues affecting their health.
The Celebrations also comprised of a Graduation ceremony for 29 girls from the Inua dada ajikimu project aimed at empowering adolescent girls and young mothers for a safer and healthier community sponsored by the Voice of a black child in partnership with AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) program.
Also present was MCA for Githurai Hon Deonysias Mwangi and Country Director AHF Dr. Kinyanjui.
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