There’s a need for a renewed commitment to empower girls as agents of change and leaders in shaping a just and inclusive future.
This was the vivid declaration by speakers and stakeholders who came together in marking this year’s international day of the girl Child at the Salvation Army Church in Kibera on Saturday 11th October, an event organised by the Polycom Girls in partnership with Room to Read.
The event was planned by the Polycom Girls in collaboration with Room to Read.
The celebrations themed “The Girl I Am, TheChange I Lead,” also coincided with 30 years of commemoration of the Beijing Declaration with both advocating for a common agenda of celebrating the power, voice, and potential of every girl.
Additionally, attendees were treated to a narrative talent competition hosted by Room to Read’s global project, “She Creates Change,” which showcases the real-life experiences of girls who have surmounted significant obstacles to spearhead community reform.
In Kenya, Polycom Girls has localized this initiative across Kibera and Homa Bay County, combining story telling, mentorship, and creativity to nurture leadership among adolescent girls.
Speaking during the event, Brenda Kalekye, a Board Member at Polycom Girls, emphasized that the day amplifies the voices of young girls and celebrates their achievements despite adversity.
“Accessing Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights remains a challenge for many girls in informal settlements, but through Polycom Girls’ programs, we’ve kept hundreds of girls in school by addressing issues around menstruation, education, and dignity,” she said.
The event featured film screenings, interactive sharing circles, and a Siri Ya Mwe zicomic session on menstrual health and dignity.
Lavenda Odhiambo, a mentor at Polycom Girls, noted that the initiative aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education) andSDG 5 (Gender Equality) goals that are deeply intertwined in ensuring that girls gain knowledge, leadership skills, and confidence to change their communities.
“Through storytelling, we help girls relate, reflect, and rise. They begin to see themselves as leaders and decision-makers,” she added.
Esther Musavi, who leads Polycom Girl’s menstrual health program, highlighted the ongoing struggle to access hygiene products, particularly in informal settlements and rural areas.
“We work with women who locally make disposable pads for girls. Manyof the girls we support have faced FGM, teenage pregnancy, and early marriage. Through small grants and support, we help them return to school,” she explained.
Lydia Achieng, an adolescent mentor and member of the UNFPA Youth AdvisoryPanel, underscored the importance of mentorship and leadership development. “For too long, girls have shied away from leadership but through mentorship and multimedia programs like She Creates Change, we’re seeing transformation. Girls are now taking initiative in schools, communities, and even national forums,” she said.
Kelvin Ouma, a male champion with Polycom Girls, added that gender equality requires partnership.
“This is not a gender fight. Men and boys must collaborate with girls to create safe, equitable spaces for all,” he said.
Chris Musonya, a patron representing Polycom Girls in schools, reaffirmed their commitment to holistic support for girls.
“Through the Talking Boxes initiative, girls can confidentially report issues affecting them. Our quick response teams ensure they receive emotional and practical support to stay in school,” he explained.
According to UNICEF, globally, over 129 million girls are out of school, with Kenya Facing persistent challenges that threaten girls’ education and wellbeing.
In Homa Bay County, about 33% of girls aged 15–19 are either mothers or expectant nearly twice the national average of 18%.
The teenage fertility rate stands at an alarming178 births per 1,000 girls.
In Kibera, girls in informal settlements are more likely to drop out of school due to poverty, lack of menstrual products, and social pressures such as early marriage or care responsibilities.
These realities make it clear that empowering girls is not a choice, it is a necessity.
Programs like She Creates Change play a vital role in bridging educational and gender gaps, fostering leadership, and ensuring that no girl is left behind.
Interconnection of SDGs 4 and 5 As we mark three decades since the Beijing Declaration, the link between education(SDG 4) and gender equality (SDG 5) remains central to sustainable development.
Educated girls gain confidence, agency, and economic independence, breaking cycles of poverty and inequality. When girls lead, entire communities thrive.
Conclusion This International Day of the Girl Child, Polycom Girls and Room to Read reaffirmed their commitment to empowering girls as change makers.
By investing in education, leadership, and equality, we are not just shaping the future of individual girls, we are transforming societies.
“The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead” is more than a theme.
It is a movement one that begins with a story, grows with mentorship, and blossoms into leadership.
