West pokot: Girls drawn from the expansive West Pokot region gathered at the HerLab facility in Morpus to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child, under the global theme, 'The Girl Child: The Change We Lead, the Change I Lead-Girls on the Front Lines.'
According to Kenya News Agency, the event celebrated over the weekend, organized through HerLab, an initiative of the Global Give Back Circle (GGBC) and supported by the MasterCard Foundation and implemented locally by Perur Rays of Hope, brought together girls, mentors, community leaders, and government officials in a powerful show of unity and purpose to empower the girl child through mentorship, education, and vocational training.
The celebration was a reflection of the strength, resilience, and potential of girls facing challenges such as early marriages, female genital mutilation (FGM), and limited access to education.
During the occasion, Kipkomo Sub-County Deputy County Commissioner, Shila Imbanga, who was the chief guest, urged the girls to embrace discipline, education, and hard work as the building blocks of success. 'No matter how inspiring your mentors are or how many opportunities come your way, without discipline, success is impossible,' she emphasized.
Imbanga, who shared her personal journey as a woman leader in West Pokot, encouraged the girls to 'plant their tree today so as they can enjoy its shade tomorrow,' reminding them that being a girl is not a limitation. She noted that 30% of government recruitment opportunities in Kenya are currently reserved for women, youth, and persons with disabilities under the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) program, with ongoing advocacy the number is set to rise to 50%.
The DCC called on the girls to be ready to walk through open doors and lead with confidence. Imbanga reiterated that with the support of partners and committed mentors, girls in West Pokot are ready to lead the change they want to see in their lives and communities.
Caroline Menach, Principal of St. Elizabeth Girls' Morpus High School and founder of Perur Rays of Hope, highlighted the urgent need for a transformative initiative for girls and women in West Pokot. 'It's time to say: Girls can! Girls must! Girls will pursue their dreams,' she declared.
Menach, who previously received a Head of State's Commendation (HSC) for her efforts, explained that HerLab offers second chances to girls, especially those who have dropped out of school or been rescued from harmful practices, through technical and vocational training in computer literacy, plumbing, sewing, and electrical work among other courses. 'Education doesn't end with motherhood, Girls can always return to school or learn a trade or skill and uplift their communities with dignity,' she said.
She stated that the future of West Pokot, and Kenya at large, is brighter when girls are empowered, protected, and believed in.