NGEC Urges Collective Action to Empower Girls on International Day of the Girl Child

The Commission marked the International Day of the Girl Child by joining Kenya and the global community in raising awareness about the challenges faced by girls, advocating for their rights, and addressing gender inequalities. This year’s theme, “Girls' Vision for the Future,” highlighted the critical role girls play in shaping a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world.

In a statement, Acting Chairperson, Thomas K’Oyier, NGEC underscored the untapped potential of girls worldwide, noting their creativity, intelligence, and resilience as key drivers of transformative change. K’Oyier stressed that, when empowered through education and opportunities, girls can enrich their own lives while contributing to the progress of entire societies. However, he acknowledged that systemic barriers continued to disproportionately impact the lives of girls, especially in education, health, and protection from violence.

“Girls possess the potential to lead and inspire change across all sectors of society, from classrooms to boardrooms, and on the political stage. When provided with the tools to pursue their dreams, they help drive the growth and prosperity of communities and nations alike,” K’Oyier stated.

NGEC recognized the strides Kenya had made in advancing the rights and welfare of girls. Legislative frameworks such as the Constitution, Children Act, Prohibition of FGM Act, and Sexual Offences Act had contributed to protecting girls, while policies like the National Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Policy had provided further support. Programmatic initiatives, including Free Primary and Secondary Education and the School Re-entry Policy for Teen Mothers, had expanded access to education and opportunities for empowerment.

Despite these gains, the Commission noted that significant challenges remained. Retention rates for girls in school were still low, particularly in rural and marginalized areas, with many dropping out due to child marriages, economic hardships, and societal pressures. Gender-based violence, including sexual exploitation and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), persisted as widespread threats.

In addition, girls from low-income backgrounds continued to struggle with limited access to essential services such as healthcare, sanitary products, and safe housing, all of which deepened gender inequalities. The Commission also raised concerns about the growing digital divide, which was excluding many girls from participating in the digital economy due to a lack of access to digital tools and skills.

To address these challenges, the Commission called for a multi- sectoral approach. It urged the government, civil society, the private sector, and communities to work together in strengthening the enforcement of laws protecting girls from harmful practices, increasing access to education in marginalized areas, and developing mentorship programs to connect girls with female leaders in politics, business, and science.

The Commission also emphasized the need to enhance sexual and reproductive health education, bridge the digital divide through investments in digital literacy programs, and promote girls' participation in leadership and decision-making processes.

Additionally, it highlighted the importance of conducting research to better understand the issues affecting the girl child and to inform effective policy interventions.

The Commission urged all stakeholders to take bold steps in addressing the challenges girls face, ensuring their voices were heard and their visions for the future were realized.

NGEC Ag. Chairperson Thomas Koyier, EBS,