I am Phylice Nyabate Nyangera, an educator in Loreto Convent school. I had a chance to take 5 students: Chantel, Keendi, Njeri, Clarice and Allison to attend the International Day of The Girl at the United Nations Office. This was an event organized by the United National Women Committee. We were warmly received by Ms Jackline and Ms. Rita. It was a blessing to meet various women of valor in the room. I was intrigued by how successful the projects they had done have worked so far.
The address of Ms. Anne Mutavati, Ms. Aijamal were mind blowing into reflections of the little efforts we can engage in and make them work in our favor. On this particular occasion of the International Day of the Girl, we reflected on the significant progress and ongoing challenges faced by girls and women globally. Despite advancements, many still encounter systemic barriers, including limited access to banking and financial independence, particularly in countries like Kenya.
The push for gender equality has been fueled by movements such as Generation Equality, which advocates for women’s rights and aims to dismantle longstanding societal norms that perpetuate inequality. The initiative emphasizes that gender equality is not a distant goal but a necessity that can and should be achieved within our generation.
In Kenya, efforts have been made to elevate women’s leadership and participation across various sectors. However, the dialogue often shifts to include the plight of boys and men, which can overshadow the historical focus on the girl child. Over the past 30 years, international forums have aimed to address the educational disparities faced by girls, and now is a crucial time to leverage these learnings for future progress.
Today, girls and young women are not just passive recipients of aid; they are powerful leaders and change makers within their communities. As they confront issues like climate change and resource scarcity, their activism is essential in shaping a sustainable future. The intersectionality of gender with economic and environmental challenges must be recognized, and young women must be actively involved in these discussions.
The commitment to achieving gender equality is stronger than ever, as evidenced by collaborations across various sectors, including civil society and private enterprises. These partnerships are critical in driving tangible change and ensuring that the voices of women and girls are heard.
As we celebrated this day, we reaffirmed our commitment to creating a world where every girl can thrive, lead, and realize her full potential. Together, we can work towards a future marked by equality and empowerment for all.
A special thanks to the Loreto School, Mrs. Mbugua, Mr. Onyando, Mr. Kamau and Ms. Odude and all the students who helped in the success of this event
Author: Phylice Nyabate Nyangera, Teacher, Loreto Convent Kenya (MSMUN)
Photo: Ms. Phylice with MSMUN students attending the IDG2024 at UN Nairobi
