Kilifi: In a bold step towards transforming the lives of adolescent girls and young women, faith leaders from across Kilifi County have pledged their commitment to abandoning harmful social and gender norms. This was during an occasion where Faith to Action Network commissioned its groundbreaking Interfaith Adolescent Girls' Health Hub Project at Pwani University.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kilifi Deputy Governor, Flora Chibule, emphasized the pivotal role that parents, communities, and leaders play in shaping the future of children, particularly young girls. She underlined the powerful influence parents have, asserting that they hold the key to guiding and protecting their children's morals and values in today's rapidly evolving digital age.
Chibule addressed the challenges posed by early pregnancies, a concern that continues to affect the educational journey of many young girls. She reaffirmed the county's commitment to ensuring that young girls who become pregnant prematurely do not miss out on education. Strategic interventions have been put in place to ensure these girls can still return to school or attend Vocational Training Colleges to gain practical skills for employment or entrepreneurship.
Research conducted by the Faith to Action Network highlights that a large number of girls in Kilifi County never transition from Primary to Secondary School due to early marriages. Peter Munene, CEO of Faith to Action, noted that only 17.5% of girls transition from primary to secondary school, with 82.5% dropping out. He also pointed out that 47.5% of girls between the ages of 13 and 18 face child marriage.
The project's commissioning brought together religious leaders, community influencers, gender advocates, and county officials in a united effort to reshape cultural narratives in Magarini and Rabai Sub-counties. Munene emphasized that the initiative is a movement towards dignity, equity, and health for young people, leveraging the influence of faith leaders to protect, uplift, and empower.
The Interfaith Adolescent Girls' Health Hub Project aims to challenge harmful norms, strengthen faith-based advocacy, and build evidence for change. It seeks to tackle beliefs that fuel teenage pregnancy and sustain gender inequality through community dialogue and faith-based perspectives.
Muslim religious leader Hassan Ali Kapombe highlighted the importance of upholding national laws alongside religious teachings, ensuring that young women are of legal age and possess a national ID before marriage. This reflects a commitment to religious principles and the protection of girls' rights under the law.
The project marks a significant milestone for Faith to Action Network, a global alliance of over 215 religious organizations from various faiths, promoting family health, gender justice, and peaceful coexistence. The Kilifi launch underscores the role of faith communities as agents of social change, with religious leaders advocating for environments where girls can thrive.