The International Day of Girl Child was established by the United Nations in 2011 to draw attention to the need of creating more opportunities for girls and to increase awareness of the gender inequality faced by girls. As we celebrate and mark this day today, we need to bear in mind that gender inequality issues affecting girls in general are engrained in our homes, institutions as well as society at large. Specifically, this inequality cuts across many sectors of the economy namely; education, nutrition, environment, agriculture, manufacturing, mining, tourism, health, leadership among others. The recent release of Usawa Agenda 2024 report on Transformation of Education in Kenya does illustrate these gender gaps in terms of education access, retention, access to teaching /learning resources and performance as girls move up the educational level. From this report, girls are still disadvantaged  in many spheres at the upper level of education because of many barriers.

The International Day of the Girl Child is celebrated on 11^th October each year. This year’s theme ‘Girls’ vision for the future’  draws attention to the need to create more opportunities for girls and give girls voices to speak up. This theme calls for Kenya as a nation to stand up for the girl child and offer her equal opportunities in every sector of the economy. Statistics do show that when girls are enabled,  they do perform equally or even better than boys.

The current generation of young girls are extremely affected by global crises of climate, conflict, poverty and the pushback on hard won gains for human rights and gender equality.  Today, many girls are still denied their rights, restricting their choices and limiting their future.  In some of Kenyan communities, girls are still restricted in movements, subjected to genital mutilation and circumsion and forced early marriages. These practices negatively impact on girls’ progress. Investing in girls can have a formidable ripple effect to create a better world. In the words of António Guterres United Nations Secretary-General, during the International Women’s Day Celebrations 2023 celebrations, “Gender-based discrimination harms everyone – women, girls, men, and boys. Investing in women uplifts all people, communities, and countries.”

Girls have the right to safety and healthy life, not only during their critical years, but also as they mature into young women. If effectively supported, girls have the potential to change and transform the world, both as empowered girls of today as well as tomorrow’s workers, mothers, entrepreneurs, mentors, household heads, and leaders. An investment in realizing the power of girls upholds their rights today and promises a more equitable and prosperous future. Kenyatta University endeavors to fulfill this mandate through its various programmes including that of enlisting more girls in STEM and research to prevent gender based violence that inflict girls both at home and in educational institutions.

Young girls are unlikely to benefit from targeted investment and programmes that address their distinct needs. On a day like this, it is important for all to join in highlighting the unique challenges and potential of girls in all spheres. We should all methodically, take action to realize a vision of an environment where all girls are protected, respected and empowered. It is also a call to realize the significance of protecting girls’ rights in digital spaces, as well as tackling technology-facilitated gender-based violence which has become very prevalent in this digital era. Furthermore, these girls need staunch supporters to help them realize their dreams. You and l can take up this space and make a difference in this girl’s life beginning from your home to your place of work.   It is important to note that these girls do need advocacy spaces where they need to engage in peer-to-peer counseling and mentorship to enable them to speak out on issues that affect their lives.

For example, nurturing girls in leadership skills from a young age leads to future success. It also contributes to a more equitable and empowered society where everyone, regardless of their gender, can thrive and lead. Here are essential reasons why a nurturing leadership skill in girls from a young age is important: confidence building, voice and advocacy, inspiration and role models, preparation for the future and personal fulfilment.

In Kenya there are many policies targeting girls.  It is my view point that policy implementers should therefore translate existing policies into actionable plans for the empowerment of the girl child. The future of the girl child will depend on the sacrifices that we as a society make today to make sure that the girl’s rights are clearly spelt, understood and observed.

Today the population of girls world wide is 1.1 billion. Through advocacy on gender issues during International UN days, public lectures, seminars and workshops, the potential of girls is unlimited. We must continuously inspire all, even people at the grassroots level, to bring about transformative change that will lead to elimination of gender discrimination, and empower girls for individual and societal growth and development.

In recognition of the role we all must play in achieving gender equality, Kenyatta University commits to being on the right side of history by recognizing the significance of women's contributions to national development and putting national gender equality and women's empowerment ideals and standards into practice. The generation of gender disaggregated data to inform Women’s Economic Empowerment policies and programmes is one such commitment. By effectively implementing gender policies, enforcing laws, sustaining political goodwill, and altering people's views, we will achieve gender equality and girls and women's empowerment, across the nation. 

As we celebrate this day, the International Day for Girl Child, let us examine ourselves on how we can each empower a girl in our houses, neighbourhoods, institutions and society. Your reaching out will definitely make a difference in the life of this girl. HAPPY INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD!.