1000 Kibera slum girls empowered to excel

The girls and young women summit was held at the Good Samaritan Conference Hotel in Kisumu. Girls from Kibera were able to highlight strategically matters that are close to them and get commitments from partners to support them. The event was officially launched by the Director of Gender, Kisumu County, who made an emphasis that GBV, not only affects the poor but also affects the elite in the community. She also highlighted that 1 in every 3 women undergo gender based violence on a regular and encouraged GYW to speak out boldly against GBV. A panel discussion was instigated on the Role of GYW in taking the lead role to drive changes on the issues affecting them.

The girls also discussed how the government is affecting project implementation as follows;

1. The current school curriculum prevents mentors from speaking about sex education issues.
2. New government officials need sensitization on the project.
3. Kisumu and Nairobi County have a good working relationship with the Gender Departments.

How do they map out spaces for young women?

1. Girl representation in the Gender Technical Working Groups.
2. Linking GYW with Local Administration officers who engage them in local decision making platforms such as Barraza’s and public participations.

How are GYW involved in the CIDP making process?

1. Director of gender helped GYW in Kisumu to come up with their priorities and a submission was done.
2. Gils in GYW through the State Department of Gender assessed C1DP 1 and CIDP 2 to inform CIDP 3 and assisted them in drafting and submitting a memo.

The summit was very strategic in allowing girls acces spaces and have influence in them.

How do GYW challenge social cultural norms?

1. Engaging in community dialogues. It is a transformative process to enable change in attitude.

Are there any She Leads Programs targeting boys?

1. Male and Boy Champions are included in our programs.
2. Mentorship sessions for boys.

Do we engage PWDs in our programs?

1. A Memo Submitted on PWD inclusion in the transport bill.