Kenya has officially launched the commencement of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence on Tuesday with the launch of the My Dear Daughter campaign-an initiative steered by First Lady Rachel Ruto and inspired by survivors, mothers, and community advocates in their fight for a world free from practices that harm girls.
The normally windy Ole Sheda Grounds in Narok unusually fell still as mothers sat beside daughters, elders gathered under acacia trees, while schoolgirls in bright shukas waited quietly for the national launch. It was more of a moment of reflection than any political event.
When First Lady Rachel Ruto stepped onto the stage, the crowd rose not with the frenzy of a rally, but with a quiet hope shared across generations.
“Sometimes the pain of our daughters demands to be seen, not counted,” she said. “There are moments when statistics become stories, when data becomes daughters.”
Her voice cuts through the silence, echoing deep within the hearts of women who have lived through the reality of FGM, child marriage, and gender-based violence.
Campaign Amplifies Voices of Survivors and Mothers
Unlike many national programmes, My Dear Daughter places survivors and mothers at the centre of its messaging. The campaign focuses on ending FGM, preventing child marriage, and protecting the rights of girls in communities where harmful cultural practices remain deeply rooted.
The issue is personal for many Maasai families present.
“I was cut at 12. I don’t want my child to live through that not again, not in this generation,” a mother from Suswa whispered, clasping her teenage daughter’s hand.
These are the stories that the campaign wants to amplify, real experiences shaping real change.
“Culture Should Be a Crown, Not a Chain”
Addressing the community elders directly, the First Lady said that this campaign is not an attack against culture but a call to redefine it.
“We are not here to erase culture. Culture should be a crown, not a chain, for the girl child,” she said.
Some elders nodded thoughtfully, others remained reserved, while many listened as she applauded those embracing alternative rites of passage and implored fathers to take active roles in protecting girls.
Kalonzo Musyoka: “Violence Is a Darkness”
Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, who joined the launch, condemned gender-based violence as a silent crisis robbing the country of its potential.
“Violence against women is a darkness that steals too many dreams, too many lives, and too much hope,” he said, calling for safe spaces where survivors can speak without fear or shame.
His remarks were brief but earnest, drawing murmurs of agreement across the crowd.
A Community Poised for Change
Apart from the speeches, there were powerful moments of silence: a grandmother wiping away tears; young schoolgirls enthusiastically nodding as speakers told them about protecting girls; elders debating quietly amongst themselves.
When the First Lady asked mothers to stand with their daughters, both symbolically and physically, dozens rose. Some girls wrapped their arms tightly around their mothers. Others stood shyly but proudly.
“Let Us Raise Daughters Who Are Protected, Valued, and Free”
Closing the event, Rachel Ruto reaffirmed government commitment to fighting gender-based violence, but stated that lasting change must begin in homes and communities.
“Let us focus on the future, not defend the past,” she said. “Let us raise daughters who know they are protected, valued, and free.”
