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By Isabella Maua
Teenage girls have been encouraged to be on the forefront in advocating for harmonious living within and outside school as a measure of curbing gender-based violence (GBV).
It is in the spirit of zero tolerance to all forms of gender-based violence, including but not limited to defilement and teenage pregnancies,Kenya Red Cross Bungoma, with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Finland, held a debut secondary school football match at Kibuk Girls’ High School in Mt. Elgon dabbed “Play to end GBV.”
Speaking during the friendly match between Kaptama Girls’ High School and the host Kibuk Girls’ High School, Ebby Wafula, the host school head accentuated that their mandate is to sensitise the girls on the importance of peaceful coexistence as well as evacuation tactics in the event of fire.
“We are working with the ministry of education and Kenya Red Cross to instil in the girls that they can use their talents to preach peace and fight GBV in society,” said Wafula.
On his part, Nyajemo Simon, Director of Sports, National government, accentuated the vitality of young girls perfecting their talents through sports, which will not only be beneficial to them physically but also professionally.
“After this launch, we look forward to many such events. Football is indeed a sport that will help our girls maintain physical and mental fitness, hence enabling us to address mental health while fighting GBV,” noted Simeon.
According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, there has been a tremendous increase in Bungoma County from 17% teenage pregnancy rate in 2020 to 19% in 2024.
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However, Christine Owino, the Project County Coordinator, Ministry of Education lauded their partnership with Kenya Red Cross emphasising the importance of introducing sports to curb rampant teenage pregnancies in the region.
“Teenage mothers are highly encouraged to continue with their secondary school education as a measure to empower the girl child through the re-entry guideline policy by the ministry of education,” cited Owino.
She also appreciated the efforts of Ebby for actualising the dreams of many teenage mothers who have been allowed back to school after giving birth.
“Remember we are not only fighting teenage pregnancies but Triple Threat HIV/AIDS, there’s need for our girls to be empowered physically and mentally for us to achieve this,” observed Owino.
Players from both schools were handed over balls and jerseys while Kibuk Girls’ who won through penalties were awarded a trophy.