“Digital generation our generation”.

International day of the girl child is celebrated every year on 11^th October with the aim of identifying the issues facing girls internationally and looking out for ways to address these challenges. Some of the issues which tend to be focussed on are; existing inequalities, child marriages, malnutrition and issues about gender based violence. It also aims at helping girls get education so they can be of more importance in the society, empowering girls and raising awareness on their rights and responsibilities as upcoming young women. Every year has its own theme and 2021 theme is “digital generation our generation”.

The centre for gender and Equity empowerment together with students from Kenyatta University science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) club, KUGAM and members of staff went to Kiwanja Secondary School to celebrate the international day of the girl child on Thursday 21^st October 2021.

Represented by Prof. Grace Bunyi, Registrar Corporate Affairs, the Vice-Chancellor, Kenyatta University, Prof. Paul K. Wainaina in his speech noted that girls should have equal access to the internet and digital devices which are meant to meaningfully and safely grant them the opportunities to grow intellectually and financially. He emphasized that the challenges faced by girls in regards to schooling and technology affects not only their life chances and educational opportunities, but also limits career choices and reduces their employment chances. Bridging the gender gap in education and levering technology is important to urgently meet the educational needs of girls especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. In a generation and age where technology is rapidly growing and will continue to grow in future, we have an obligation to harness its power for good and make sure it is available and beneficial to and for all. To conclude, the Vice Chancellor underscored the importance of continuously inspiring all to bring about transformative change that will lead to elimination of gender discrimination, and empower girls for individual and societal growth and development.

In her speech, Dr. Susan Musembi advised the students to know what degree they want to pursue in the university and the requirements needed to enter into the said programme. She further encouraged them to harness the knowledge they have acquired to practice entrepreneurship and innovation. They should have the ability to create jobs for themselves and others.

Prof. Ruth Wanjau stated that  students need to actualize their dreams by doing them. They should ask themselves “do I know how to do it?” She said that one should have the skills and knowledge to be there. She further went ahead to advice that they need to be observers and learn from that. They should remain focused to achieve their dreams and the most efficient way to do it, is to just do it.

Allan Koech a student of BSc .Biomedical engineering, in his speech encouraged students to have curiosity and interest in knowing how things work and why they work. Always ask this two questions HOW? (How things work the way they do) and WHY (why do they work the way they do) and when you find yourself facing a problem ask yourself, “How can I solve this problem?” that could be the next big business

Mary Phelsia Achieng, a student of BSc. Information and technology, pointed out that science is not” a man thing” but a human thing. She went ahead and said that passion should guide one in choosing their career. Even though as women and more so girls, face so many challenges, like disparity in the tech ecosystem, gender profiling, misogyny and inequality when it comes to payment in the workforce, females are capable of doing so much more than what the world has set for them. Focus and determination can take you to unimaginable places.

Apart from the celebrations, the Centre donated sanitary towels, mask and books published by Prof. Judith Waudo, Director Centre for Gender Equity and Empowerment.