Hope for Kenya Slums Adolescents Initiative (HKSAI) Marks International Day of the Girl Child with EmpowerHer Summit 2025 in Uasin Gishu County.
Eldoret, Kenya — The Uasin Gishu County joined the global community in commemorating the International Day of the Girl Child (IDG) on Saturday, October 11, 2025, with a vibrant celebration held at the County Headquarters in Eldoret. The event, themed: "The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis,” was convened by the Hope for Kenya Slums Adolescents Initiative (HKSAI) in collaboration with the County Government of Uasin Gishu and partner organizations.
The day’s colorful activities, which included a procession, poetry recitals, and empowerment sessions, which brought together leaders from national and county levels, civil society organizations, and hundreds of students from across the county. The celebration aimed to highlight girls’ achievements, the challenges they continue to face, and the importance of inclusive empowerment.
Hon. Gladys Boss Shollei: “Empowerment Is an Economic Imperative”
The Chief Guest, Hon. Gladys Boss Shollei, Woman Representative for Uasin Gishu County and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, led the celebration and emphasized the need for continued investment in girls’ education and welfare.
“This journey for Kenya began at the time of the Beijing Conference,” said Hon. Shollei. “It was then recognized that the girl child suffers deeply entrenched challenges, including early pregnancies, gender-based violence, and unequal access to education and economic opportunities.”
She pointed out that persistent issues such as the lack of menstrual hygiene products have kept many girls out of school. “In 2012, statistics showed millions of girls were dropping out of school compared to their male peers. Today, we gather here to reflect on how far we’ve come and what still needs to be done,” she stated.
Hon. Shollei commended the County Government for making girls’ empowerment a development priority, citing the Rescue Center that offers shelter, education, food, and psychosocial support to vulnerable children. “It’s more than a rescue center I call it a blessed center,” she said. “It has changed the lives of many children who once had none.”
She further called on leaders to support the boy child to achieve balanced empowerment. “Women make up 52% of our population. Leaving behind over half the population isn’t just an issue of fairness but it is an economic imperative. No nation can progress while sidelining its women and girls,” she added.
County Leaders and Advocates Echo the Call
The Moisbridge Ward MCA and Chairperson of the County Gender Committee, Hon. Bishop Patrick Kimeli, delivered a strong message of empowerment during the celebrations at County Hall.
“The girl child is not just the future but she is the present. We must protect, empower, and uplift her,” he said, urging communities to prioritize education and protection for girls. He reaffirmed his commitment to advancing gender responsive policies and praised ongoing county programs that support vulnerable girls.
Dr. Melvine Ouyo: “We Celebrate Every Girl Who Dares to Dream and Lead”
Dr. Melvine Ouyo, Founder of the Hope for Kenya Slums Adolescents Initiative (HKSAI), inspired attendees with her message of girls empowerment and gratitude.
“Today we celebrate every girl who dares to dream and lead with courage — even in the face of challenges,” said Dr. Melvine. “HKSAI believes that investing in girls is investing in the future of our communities and our nation. We remain committed to creating safe spaces, mentorship opportunities, and educational pathways that enable girls to rise, lead, and transform their world.”
She extended heartfelt appreciation to all partners, speakers, and participants who contributed to the success of the event: “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who supported or participated in this meaningful event. To our distinguished speakers, thank you for sharing your insights and inspiring stories to our young leaders and your courage inspired us all. I also acknowledge our dedicated HKSAI team, our volunteers, and our partners who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Together, we planted seeds of progress and hope. Let us continue with renewed determination to champion for every girl’s right to lead.”
Appreciation and Team Recognition
HKSAI Project Officer, Brenda Robi, delivered words of appreciation to the organizing team: “Special thanks to Benedine Kipruto, Collins Kemboi, Brenda Sanaipei, Edwin Gekone, and the Committee for being in the frontlines of the EmpowerHer Summit 2025. Your work behind the scenes ensured everything ran smoothly from start to finish. Your mobilization efforts indeed bore fruit.”
Adding to the words of gratitude, SMATKKEY ORG (CBO) shared their encouragement to the HKSAI family and partners:
“You are truly amazing! Be blessed for the continued support and team spirit you showed to our sister Brenda Sanaipei, the HKSAI family, the County Government, and all our partners and sponsors who demonstrated true love and commitment to empowering our girls both in and out of school. Let’s continue to stay united and keep making great things happen.”
Brenda Sanaipei, the Uasin Gishu County Co-ordinator, also extended her gratitude on behalf of the HKSAI family, saying:
“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who joined and supported us during the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child celebration.
Your presence, encouragement, and contributions made the event truly impactful and memorable. Together, we continue to amplify girls’ voices, promote their rights, and create opportunities for a brighter and more equal future.
Thank you for standing with us in empowering the girl child.”
Panel Discussion during IDG
The conversation addressed into key themes such as digital innovation, mental health, education, inclusivity, and the fight against gender-based violence. The panelists emphasized the need to bridge the digital divide, promote access to STEM education, and create safe environments where girls can thrive emotionally, socially, and economically.
The dialogue also highlighted the importance of mentorship, policy reform, and community collaboration in addressing issues such as teenage pregnancy, school dropouts, and discrimination against girls with disabilities. The participants agreed that sustainable empowerment must integrate technology, mental health support, and gender equality into every aspect of development.
- Bridging the Digital Divide
Magdaline Chepkemoi, Executive Director and Founder of Eldo Hub Tech Organization, delivered an inspiring address on the role of women and girls in the digital economy.
“The digital future is female too,” Chepkemoi said. “Technology shapes how we live and work, but women must take part in designing the systems and products that define our lives. We must not only use technology we must help build it.”
She urged girls to believe in their capabilities and pursue STEM-related fields such as mathematics, science, engineering, and technology, as well as professions like nursing, cosmetology, and teaching, where they can lead transformation.
Mateli highlighted that her organization, Eldo Hub Tech, focuses on equipping youth and women with skills in Artificial Intelligence, software development, data science, and digital entrepreneurship.
“We are nurturing innovators and thinkers. Through Eldo Hub Academy, we train young people on the latest tools, soft skills, and technologies empowering them to create jobs, build solutions, and compete globally,” she explained.
She shared her journey as a Computer Science professional who excelled academically, earning a B+ grade with As in Mathematics and Chemistry, to inspire girls that academic excellence and digital leadership are achievable with focus, guidance and mentorship.
“Every girl has the potential to become what she dreams. The digital economy is vast, and we must claim our place in it. We are building women who code, women who design, and women who lead,” she concluded.
- Mental Health and Emotional Resilience
Petronilla, CEO and founder of Martins Angels Program, emphasized the urgent need to integrate mental health into empowerment programs.
She noted that her organization started its work in informal settlements and now reaches over 600 schools, impacting 6,000 girls, with an ambitious goal to reach 20 million in the next decade.
“We cannot talk about empowerment without addressing mental health. Anxiety, depression, and burnout silently destroy dreams. We must heal minds to raise strong leaders,” she said.
Petronilla trained psychologist from the Philippines, specializes in anxiety, sleep disorders, and adolescent stress management. Her mental health campaigns now extend from Nairobi other county counties and rural areas and continue to expand through school-based programs.
4. Teenage Pregnancy and Community Protection
The panel tackled one of the most pressing issues affecting girls teenage pregnancy and sexual exploitation.
A brave adolescent participant asked Mr. Emmanuel Agwanda, HKSAI’s Operations Manager, about what is being done to protect girls from older men who exploit their vulnerabilities. Mr. Agwanda explained that HKSAI has established a scholarship program, pad bank drives, mentorship sessions, and economic empowerment initiatives to support affected girls.
“We see how older men take advantage of girls through small gifts like chips, leading to pregnancy and school dropout. She asked “HKSAI works with community leaders to break this cycle and restore girls’ dignity, through education scholarship, economic empowerment and sanitary pad drive bank to support Adolescent girls during menstrual cycle ” he emphasized.
He further stated that HKSAI collaborates with local authorities, CSOs, and faith groups to raise awareness, enforce child protection laws, and provide psychosocial and economic support to survivors.
5. Reproductive Health and Second Chances
Dr. Lee, an Obstetrician and Gynecologist, spoke about the importance of sexual and reproductive health education and how fear of pregnancy once led many girls to drop out of school.
She praised the introduction of peer counselors who now help girls share their experiences and return to school. She highlighted that both boys and girls must be involved in empowerment programs, ensuring inclusivity. She called for second-chance opportunities for young mothers and continuous support for girls living with HIV/AIDS.
“We must ensure that girls who have stumbled do not stay down. Education remains their right, and peer support systems are helping them rebuild their confidence,” she said.
6. County Commitment to Gender Equality and Social Protection
Marion Biget, Chief Officer for Gender and Social Protection in Uasin Gishu County, emphasized the County’s efforts in promoting gender equality, mental wellness, and inclusive development. She holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Policy and oversees gender programs focusing on empowerment, equity, and social protection.
“We work through capacity building, registration, and legislative initiatives to reach vulnerable populations especially those struggling with depression, suicide, and disability,” said Ms. Biget. “We must offer counseling, mentorship, and life skills to both children and caregivers because one problem has a thousand solutions.”
Hon. Regina Chumba, Nominated MCA representing Persons with Disabilities, echoed her commitment to ensuring girls with disabilities access quality education and opportunities.
“Every dream is valid. We continue to sensitize communities and leaders to support and love children with disabilities,” she said.
7. Audience Reflections and Questions
The session featured a vibrant interactive Q&A where participants raised concerns about gender-based violence, depression, and sexual exploitation.
Rose Wandaki HKSAI volunteer from Busia, raised concerns about gender-based violence, depression, and anxiety, calling for practical interventions that is being done in Uasin Gishu County. Questions were asked about the punishment of older men responsible for impregnating teenage girls and about community accountability. Panelists urged for stronger law enforcement, comprehensive sexuality education, and community sensitization to break harmful cycles.
Joan Cherop asked the panelists about the core values that have guided them to leadership. Mr. Agwanda responded that integrity, collaboration, and economic empowerment are key to sustainable impact, while Ms. Biget emphasized resilience and community-centered policies as essential leadership traits.
The panel ended with a collective pledge to strengthen digital literacy, mental health awareness, and social protection for girls. The session underscored that investing in girls’ education, technology, and well-being is investing in the nation’s progress.
HKSAI’s Ongoing Impact
HKSAI Operations Manager, Emmanuel Agwanda, speaking during the event, praised the collaboration that made the celebration possible, noting that the event symbolized unity and shared vision.
“We are honored to have been the main conveners of this event, working alongside county leadership, the CSO network, and our Executive Director Dr. Melvine. The partnerships and mobilization efforts made this day a success. The importance of this day lies in both celebration and reflection to celebrate the progress and re-strategize on what still needs to be done.”
HKSAI continues to operate across Nairobi, Uasin Gishu, Kisumu, Busia and Mombasa counties focusing on mentorship, reproductive health education, vocational training, and psychosocial support for adolescents in underserved communities.
Partners and Collaborators
The event received generous support from numerous partners including: County Government of Uasin Gishu, @Uasin Gishu County Civil Society Network, Edmund Rice, Hon. Jewel, Lions Club, SOS Children’s Villages Kenya, Female Force Network, The Rising Shujaz, SMATKKEY Community Based Organization, Reprodrive, Martine's Angels Project, A girl Initiative, Villa Valentino School of Cakes and Cake House, Gifted Hearts, Jimmy Mac Foundation, SMART Culture Kenya CBO, Tophill, Irip Gaa, Media Hub, KCC, Ngarisha Dada,Gifted Hearts, North Rift College, Media Hub, Yako Supermarket, The Humane Society of Kenya, and Population Connection.
Inspiration and Reflection
The celebration featured cultural performances, poetry, and moving testimonies from girls who have overcome adversity through empowerment initiatives. A highlight of the day was a poem by a 14-year-old survivor of early marriage who has since returned to school a story that deeply moved the audience and reinforced the purpose of the day.
As the event concluded, speakers and partners reaffirmed their commitment to girls’ rights and leadership.
“When we invest in girls, we invest in families, communities, and the future of our nation,” Hon. Shollei said in her closing remarks. “Let us continue to protect, support, and empower our girls not just today, but every day.”
Vote of Thanks
Hope for Kenya Slums Adolescents Initiative (HKSAI) conveys profound gratitude to the County Government of Uasin Gishu, Civil Society Organizations, Population Connection, partners, and the entire community for their exceptional collaboration during the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child commemoration.
Your engagement through participation, artistic performance, advocacy, and generous resource contribution transformed the event into a meaningful celebration of girls’ achievements and potential success. Together, we reaffirm our collective resolve to champion equity, nurture leadership, and expand opportunities for every girl to flourish and lead with confidence. Celebrating the International Day of the Girl – 11th October 2025
Theme: “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis.
Organizer: Hope for Kenya Slums Adolescents Initiative (HKSAI)
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