Established by United Nations Resolution 66/170, International Day of The Girl Child (IDGC) is celebrated annually on 11 October to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by girls, promoting their rights, and addressing gender inequalities. This year’s theme is “Girls’ Vision for the Future”.
Alongside the commemoration of the day , Woman Kind Worldwide in collaboration with Polycom Girls launched a comic book dubbed Siri Ya Mwezi , to address issues around menstrual hygiene management and stigma around period shaming among girls and women.
The event was graced by leaders, including Nominated Senator Catherine Mumma, a supporter of girls’ and women’s empowerment
Senator Mumma mentioned that majority of the youth and adolescents in Kenya have not been catered for in policies. She called for more bolder conversations about menstrual hygiene and steps to come up with policies and laws that will support adolescents and a budget that will cater for services of adolescent health.
‘Be part of coming up with solutions to deal with all issues relating to adolescent health ,’ she added.
Other attendees were Dr. Zipporah Kittony, a former politician who fights for women’s and children’s rights. She reiterated that appropriate policies have to be put in place for adolescent health.
Wahu Kaara , a champion for women rights applauded the comic book launch as a way to celebrate the International Day for the Girl Child.
‘ When you break silence, voices are the energy ,’she added.
Jane Anyango, founder of Polycom Girls noted the significance of the celebrations in bringing everyone on board regardless of age. She encouraged collaborations in order to advance the agenda of girls and women empowerment.
Diana Njuguna , a Co- Executive Director at Woman Kind Worldwide argued that there is need for broader and inclusive conversations on menstrual health.
‘Menstrual hygiene and health is a non-negotiable human right to every young girl and woman in Kenya and across the globe ,’she added.
The event was held at Serena Hotel in Nairobi.
