International Day of the Girl Child: Empowering the Next Generation
On the International Day of the Girl Child, FEMNET and Polycom Girls united over 120 adolescent boys and girls for a transformative day of advocacy and empowerment. The event, held at Nairobi’s Safari Park Hotel, aimed to equip young people with the tools and knowledge they need to become effective leaders and agents of change.
The day kicked off with an inspiring opening ceremony, featuring remarks from representatives of both organizations. Participants were introduced to the day’s objectives and activities, setting the tone for a day filled with learning, engagement, and inspiration.
Cultural performances by talented young girls showcased their creativity and passion for empowerment. Through songs, dances, and spoken word, they expressed their hopes, dreams, and commitment to social justice.
Speaking during the celebrations, the Young Women and Girls officer at FEMNET, Muthoki Nzioka noted; “You young people need to speak for yourselves. You need to know that you have a voice to demand change and systems that work for you.”
A highlight of the event was the “Wisdom Sharing Hot Seat,” where adolescent girls had the opportunity to ask questions to trailblazing women leaders. The interactive session provided valuable insights into leadership, movement-building, and advocacy tips.
Intergenerational storytelling sessions allowed participants to learn from the experiences of wise women who have built and led movements. By sharing their stories, these women inspired the younger generation to reflect on their own advocacy journeys and the importance of addressing issues like climate justice, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and gender-based violence (GBV).
Interactive group discussions provided a platform for participants to delve deeper into specific issues, including climate resilience, GBV, SRHR, and educational empowerment. In these sessions, girls drafted action plans to take back to their communities, demonstrating their commitment to making a difference.
The event concluded with the presentation of action plans by selected groups. FEMNET and Polycom Girls pledged their support for the implementation of these plans, ensuring that the lessons and strategies learned during the day would have a lasting impact.
The International Day of the Girl Child event was a resounding success, empowering young people to become advocates for their rights and the future they envision.
