228 300
Plan International Kenya has challenged all stakeholders to act in ensuring a world free from discrimination and harassment of girls and women as they play a pivotal role in the society.
Speaking in Nairobi, Annah Katuki, Gender and Inclusion Advisor, Plan International Kenya said girls feel that they are undervalued, undermined and underestimated right from the household to leadership level.
“Girls and women feel that all programs are designed to disadvantage them across all sectors of their life. In view of this, we urge all stakeholders to empower women and give them a chance in sharing their ideas,” she noted.
She reiterated that security at home and gender-based violence issues deter women and girls from achieving their full potential.
Katuki added that they continue to advocate for girls activism against any form of threat and violence which negatively impact girls.
“Over the years, girls and women bodies have been abused, used for negative purposes. We want to make them feel safe and incharge over their bodies,” she averred.
Furthermore, the organisation advocates for a world that values girls and women with focus around their health, education, family system, work environment and all aspects of life.
Speaking on the same, George Otim, Country Director, Plan International Kenya, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to realise a world where girls and young women, in all their adversity, are equally able to make decisions about their own lives and shape the world around them.
“We aim to achive a world where girls and women are recognised and valued as drivers of change in their communities and beyond,” he noted.
Otim noted that the ‘Girls Take Over’ concept is integral in campaigning for girls rights with the aim of changing perceptions around what is possible for girls as decision-makers, leaders and change-makers with support from partners.
In line with the campaign, Plan International had Florence Wangare, a young girl advocate takeover the Country Director’s office and lead them.
These opportunities help prepare girls into decision-making and leadership positions and spaces that allow them to learn through mentorship or professional development opportunities and also to raise their own concerns in spaces of impact.
On her part, Florence Wangare, a young girl advocate from Mathare, thanked Plan International Kenya for the opportunity to lead the organisation.
She added that informal settlements experience high cases of teenage pregnancies, gender-based violence, insecurity among others which negatively women rights.
Alice Anukur, Country Director, Child Fund Kenya noted there are cultural norms, socio-cultural norms, stereotypes hindering girls education and development.
She urged all stakeholders especially women led initiatives to pull together in eliminating barriers facing girls and women in all spheres of life.