Uasin Gishu Commemorates International Day of the Girl Child with Focus on Empowerment and Inclusion

By Wasike Elvis 

Uasin Gishu County marked the International Day of the Girl Child with a vibrant celebration held at the County Headquarters in Eldoret. The event, themed around empowerment, protection, and equal opportunity, brought together national and county leaders, civil society organizations, development partners, and community members committed to improving the lives of girls across Kenya.

The day’s activities were led by Uasin Gishu Woman Representative Hon. Gladys Boss Shollei, who underscored the historical and global significance of the event. The International Day of the Girl Child, officially recognized by the United Nations in 2012, aims to highlight and address the challenges that girls face worldwide, particularly in education, health, and safety.

“This journey for Kenya began at the time of the Beijing Conference,” said Hon. Shollei in her keynote address. “It was then recognized that the girl child suffers unique and deeply entrenched challenges, including early pregnancies, gender-based violence, and unequal access to education and economic opportunities.”

She pointed out that simple but persistent barriers — such as a lack of menstrual hygiene products — had kept many girls out of school, contributing to high dropout rates. “In 2012, statistics showed millions of girls were dropping out of school compared to their male peers. Today, we gather here to reflect on how far we’ve come and what still needs to be done,” she said.

Shollei commended the Uasin Gishu County Government for making the empowerment of girls a development priority. She especially applauded the Rescue Center, a county-run initiative offering shelter, education, food, and psychosocial support to vulnerable children, including victims of abuse and neglect.

“It’s more than a rescue center — I call it a blessed center,” said Shollei. “It has changed the lives of many children who would otherwise have been on the streets. They now have a place to sleep, access to education, food, and most importantly, hope for a better future.”

She added that her office had supported the center with essential items including blankets, bedding, sanitary towels, and foodstuffs, and she pledged continued support in collaboration with the Department of Gender and Social Services.

 

“We must remember that women make up 52% of our population. Leaving behind over half the population isn’t just an issue of fairness or equality — it is an economic imperative. No nation can truly progress while sidelining its women and girls,” she emphasized.

Moisbridge Ward MCA and Chairperson of Gender, Hon. Bishop Patrick Kimeli, delivered a strong message of support and empowerment during the International Day of the Girl Child celebrations held at County Hall, Eldoret.

Hon. Kimeli emphasized the need to invest in girls through education, protection from early pregnancies and gender-based violence, and equal opportunities for leadership.

“The girl child is not just the future — she is the present. We must protect, empower, and uplift her,” he said.

He reaffirmed his commitment to advancing gender-focused policies and praised ongoing efforts by the county and partners to support vulnerable girls through programs like the Rescue Center.

Hon. Kimeli called on communities, parents, and institutions to unite in building a society where every girl can thrive.

“To every girl — you are strong, you are valued, and we will continue standing with you,” he concluded.

 

The event was convened by the Hope for Kenya Slums Adolescents Initiative(HKSAI), a grassroots organization working to empower youth in underserved communities. Emanuel Lagwanda, the Operations Manager at HKSAI, acknowledged the county government’s partnership in making the event a success.

“We are honored to have been the main conveners of this event, working alongside the county leadership, the CSO network, and our Executive Director, whose efforts in mobilizing resources ensured this day became a reality,” Lagwanda said.

HKSAI operates in five counties — Nairobi, Uasin Gishu, Kisumu, Mombasa, and Busia — focusing on girls and adolescents in informal settlements. The organization provides mentorship, reproductive health education, vocational training, and psychosocial support to young people.

“The importance of this day lies in both celebration and reflection,” Lagwanda continued. “We celebrate the achievements made in empowering the girl child, but we also examine the gaps and challenges still facing them. This day helps us re-strategize and renew our commitment.”

Participants at the event included schoolgirls, teachers, community leaders, and representatives from various NGOs and government departments. The day featured cultural performances, poetry recitations, and powerful testimonies from girls who had overcome hardship through the support of local programs and institutions.

 

One of the highlights was a moving poem performed by a 14-year-old girl rescued from early marriage, who is now excelling in school. Her story resonated with many in attendance, highlighting the real-world impact of programs like the Rescue Center and HKSI’s adolescent outreach.

The celebrations concluded with a call to action from leaders and development partners to continue investing in the girl child as a pathway to achieving Kenya’s broader social and economic goals.

“When we invest in girls, we invest in communities, families, and the future of our nation,” said Shollei in her closing remarks. “Let us continue to protect, support, and empower our girls — not just today, but every day.”