Improving lives of 1000 girls in Nairobi's slums

As the world was observing the last day of sixteen days of activism against gender based violence and celebrating human rights day on 10^th December, VAP’s Mrembo project zipped it up by organizing a GBV procession walk. Sixteen football teams from all the corners of Nairobi mainly composed of girls and few boys came with their guns blazing with whistles on their mouth carrying a huge banner and placards written on different types of messages in support of a girl child and under one #stopping Rape joined in the procession that started from the streets of Eastleigh, through the slums of Kiambiu all the way to Kiambiu football ground. The procession had a brief stopover at the Kiambiu chief’s camp where the chief applauded  VAP’s effort in fighting gender based violence and pledged to work together and support VAP in its fight against gender based violence especially in Kiambiu slum where the prevalence of G.B.V is sky rocketing.

Scoring Against Gender Based Violence

After amplifying their voices on the streets, it was time for the teams to put their best feet forward on the football pitch and compete for the 4^th annual Miss Mrembo tournament. The sixteen teams played in small sided games 7 vs 7 with football 3 methodology where boys and girls had equal time to discuss before and after the match. The methodology teaches young people to learn how to solve issues themselves and build consensus. The approach has been of great impact to VAP towards achieving its core aim of transmitting and reinforcing important messages on health issues as well addressing other topics such as gender equality, social inclusion, peace building and youth leadership.Off the field, Mrembo peer educators were at hand to take the teams through gender based violence topics, discussions and the rights of a girl child

Queens Against Gender Based Violence

Putting the cream on the day’s cake was Mrembo beauty pageant contest that attracted twelve girls from the participating teams. Mrembo salon staff were at hand with all the salon’s beauty paraphernalia to provide the necessary beauty applications to the participants who had to perform a catwalk on the runway displaying their outlook and walking styles. Vivian  from Golden Angels team was crowned Miss mrembo 2015 by the two judges as a result of not only looking stunning and performing an excellent catwalk but answering G.B.V questions correctly which was the key aspect of miss mrembo beauty pageant. The winner walked away with a voucher to purchase educational supplies, one ball and one year supply of sanitary towels. Runners up walked away a voucher to purchase educational supplies, ball and six months supply of sanitary towels. Third runners up walked away with a voucher to purchase educational supplies, a ball and a three months supply of sanitary towels.”I have gained the confidence to speak out against on rape issues” Said 13 years old Vivian . “I will speak out and protect our sisters against G.B.V”.Said 15 years old Alfred.