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| Dr Riria is the Group CEO of Echo Network Africa (ENA) and a founding member of Kenya Women Holding and Kenya Women Finance Trust Microfinance Bank. |
By John Kariuki
Renowned educationist, visionary leader, and CEO of Echo Network Africa Dr. Jennifer Riria brought the house to its feet at the First National Conference on Intergenerational Approaches to School Community Engagement and Whole Child Development with a rousing address that combined passion, precision, and purpose.
With her trademark eloquence and gravitas, Dr. Riria issued a clarion call for a radical reimagining of girl child education in Kenya, anchored firmly in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). She declared her personal, hands-on commitment to dismantling barriers that have historically excluded girls from these critical disciplines.
“I am not merely advocating from the sidelines. I am in the trenches, mobilizing resources, influencing policy, and igniting minds,” Dr. Riria proclaimed.
In an extraordinary show of leadership, she revealed her recent mission to Canada, where she undertook a high level resource mobilization drive aimed at equipping Kenyan schools with cutting edge science laboratories. This, she asserted, is essential to nurturing a new generation of female scientists, engineers, and innovators.
But her trailblazing journey did not begin yesterday. Dr. Riria is the Pioneer Founder of the Girl Excel Program, launched in 2018, a transformative initiative that has mentored and empowered thousands of girls through targeted capacity building, leadership development, and academic mentorship.
“STEM is not a male domain. It is a universal platform and our girls are ready to lead, innovate, and disrupt,” she emphasized, drawing thunderous applause from the conference floor.
Her stirring contribution served not only as a keynote reflection but as a revolutionary manifesto, one that challenges institutions, communities, and policymakers to embrace bold, gender inclusive reforms in education.
As the conference explored pathways for whole child development and school community synergy, Dr. Riria’s message stood tall, a potent blend of intellect, activism, and unstoppable vision.
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