The Forum for African Women Educationists Kenya (FAWE), a non-governmental organization, has introduced the Imarisha Msichana program in Garissa.
The initiative aims to address the issue of teenage pregnancies and promote girls’ education within the county.
This programme is designed to involve a diverse range of participants, including school-going children, boda boda operators (motorcycle taxis), teachers, and religious leaders.
The key focus will be on conducting consistent awareness campaigns across all parts of the county to advocate for the rights of girls and to discourage early marriages.
During the launch event, Solomon Chesut, Deputy County Commissioner of Garissa Township, urged the program’s team members to actively speak out against early marriages and teenage sexual activities, particularly concerning vulnerable girls.
Chesut emphasized the importance of supporting girls in realizing their aspirations, whether through education, entrepreneurship, or other ventures that contribute positively to society.
He reiterated the well-known saying that educating a girl child has a transformative impact on an entire nation, highlighting the crucial role that girls’ education plays in societal progress.
Hawa Abdi Sahal, Garissa County Executive Committee Member for Gender, urged the program’s participants to also act as advocates against sexual and gender-based violence, especially among school-going children.
Sahal stressed the need to put an end to the pervasive “rape culture” within the county. She specifically called upon boda boda riders, who have sometimes been implicated in inappropriate interactions with underage children, to lead the campaigns against such behaviors and to disassociate themselves from the few individuals engaging in such misconduct.
Sahal emphasized that reporting instances of sexual abuse to relevant authorities and ensuring that appropriate actions are taken contributes to the overall safety of the community.
She also highlighted the importance of supporting victims of gender-based violence, urging the community to refrain from blaming and stigmatizing girls who have experienced violations of their rights, including cases of pregnancy resulting from such incidents.
Instead, she urged for understanding and support to help these girls continue their education and pursue their goals.
