Polycom Girls, in partnership with Room to Read, marked the International Day of the Girl Child by celebrating girls’ power and leadership through the She Creates Change project, highlighting 30 years of progress since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
The event, held at the Salvation Army in Kibera under the theme “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead,” showcased Room to Read’s global storytelling initiative that highlights girls who have overcome challenges to drive transformation in their communities.
In Kenya, the initiative has been localized across Kibera and Homa Bay County, blending storytelling, mentorship, and creativity to nurture leadership among adolescent girls.Brenda Kalekye, a Board Member at Polycom Girls, emphasized that the day amplifies young girls’ voices and celebrates their achievements amid adversity.
“Accessing Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights remains a challenge for many girls in informal settlements, but through our programs, we’ve kept hundreds of girls in school by addressing issues around menstruation, education, and dignity,” she said.
The event featured film screenings, sharing circles, and a Siri Ya Mwezi comic session on menstrual health. Lavenda Odhiambo, a mentor at Polycom Girls, said the initiative aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality), helping girls “relate, reflect, and rise” as leaders.
Esther Musavi, who leads the menstrual health program, noted ongoing struggles in accessing hygiene products. “We work with women who locally make disposable pads and support girls affected by FGM, teenage pregnancy, and early marriage to return to school,” she explained.
Mentor Lydia Achieng, a UNFPA Youth Advisory Panel member, highlighted the importance of mentorship in helping girls embrace leadership. Male champion Kelvin Ouma added that “gender equality requires partnership” between men and women.
According to UNICEF, over 129 million girls globally remain out of school. In Kenya, teenage pregnancies and poverty continue to hinder girls’ education, especially in Kibera and Homa Bay.
Polycom Girls and Room to Read reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring every girl gains education, dignity, and leadership opportunities—because when girls lead, communities thrive.
