Empowering the Future: A Girl's Vision for Change in Malindi

In a vibrant celebration of resilience, hope, and determination, the International Day of the Girl Child was marked on October 11, 2024, at the Maono Youth Space in Malindi. The event, hosted by the Judiciary and supported by Maono, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC), the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Rotary Club, and local organizations, to amplify the voices of young girls and advocate for a brighter, more equal future.

The theme of this year’s observance, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” set the tone for discussions focused on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and the urgent need to address issues affecting girls in the coastal region of Kilifi, particularly in Malindi. At the heart of the celebration was a powerful commitment to eliminating the entrenched challenges faced by girls, including early marriages, teenage pregnancies, child labor, and lack of access to education.

Hon. Elizabeth Usui, chairperson of the Judiciary’s Malindi Court Users Committee, opened the event with a stirring call for equality and justice. She outlined the harsh realities that girls in Malindi face—poverty, gender violence, and social isolation—and urged those present to join forces in creating a safer and more equitable society.

“We must fight for equality and non- discrimination. We owe it to the girls of Malindi to create an environment where they are confident, fearless, and can realize their full potential,” she said.

Her words resonated deeply, as representatives from various sectors highlighted their ongoing efforts to combat SGBV, offering legal, healthcare, and social interventions for survivors.

The ODPP representative emphasized the importance of evidence in prosecuting SGBV cases, while the LSK vice chairperson reminded the audience of the free legal aid available to survivors, urging communities to take advantage of these services. The representative from Haki Yetu reinforced the importance of legal empowerment and urged members of the community to become activists for change in their own homes and villages.

NGEC’s Kilifi regional coordinator Beatrice Zighe took the opportunity to shed light on advocacy efforts and policy recommendations aimed at gender equality. She encouraged the girls and young women in Kilifi to seize the opportunities available to them, particularly through the devolved funds set aside by the County Government. “Change begins when we empower ourselves with knowledge and share that knowledge with others,” she emphasized. The event also saw contributions from healthcare professionals, human rights activists, and social workers, all advocating for a coordinated approach to tackling SGBV.

The County Department of Health’s GBV focal person discussed the comprehensive health services available to survivors, including emergency prevention medicine, mental health support, and forensic evidence collection. However, she noted the challenge posed by a broken age assessment machine at Malindi Sub-county Hospital, which hampers efforts to effectively address cases involving minors.

Red Cross representatives shared their work in supporting survivors through economic empowerment and emergency response services, while the Pope Francis Rescue Center representative spoke about the crucial role shelters play in providing safety and legal assistance to survivors, particularly during court hearings.

As the event drew to a close, stakeholders agreed on the need for continued advocacy for children's rights and a united front against SGBV. Plans were laid out for future sensitization forums in Marafa, aiming to educate communities about children’s rights as part of November’s Children’s Service Month.

The International Day of the Girl Child celebration in Malindi was not just a day of speeches and discussions. It was a powerful reminder that the future belongs to girls who are empowered to speak out, fight for their rights, and envision a world free from violence and discrimination. The collaboration between the judiciary, civil society, and local organizations demonstrated that when communities come together, real change is possible. For the girls of Malindi and beyond, the vision is clear: a future where they are equal, fearless, and unstoppable.

Hon .Rehema Jaldesa,Chairperson of the commission addresses stakeholder in Malindi