International Day of girl child

Have you ever wondered what the world would look like if every girl had the chance to reach her full potential? What if no girl had to face barriers just because of her gender? Today, on the International Day of the Girl Child, I am celebrating the strength, courage, and dreams of every girl in marginalized places, underserved regions and informal settlement among others.

As I am writing this,I think of girls like Neema, a bright 15-year-old who lives in the informal settlement of Korogocho.  Despite the harsh realities of poverty ,insecurities and social injustices,  every morning, Neema wakes up with one goal in mind – to go to school and learn, to become a women human right defender one day. She dreams of a future where she can provide safer grounds for girls in her community, where women and girls don’t have to suffer because they lack basic necessities.

Neema story touches me deeply because it reminds me of so many girls who dream big, even when life gives them so little. I’m reminded of Malala Yousafzai’s powerful words: “One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.” Neema, and girls like us, are proof that even in the toughest circumstances, girls can make a huge difference when empowered.

Investing in girls’ and women empowerment is one of the most important things we can do, because when girls thrive, entire communities rise. I believe that by giving them the tools and opportunities they deserve, we are building a stronger, more equal future for everyone. Born in rural Kenya, where opportunities for girls were scarce, Wangari Mathai grew to become a beacon of hope for millions. She founded the Green Belt Movement, planting trees and advocating for the environment and women’s rights, and in 2004, she became the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. She once said, “I will be a hummingbird, I will do the best I can. ”Wangari’s story reminds me that no matter how small our efforts may seem, they can still make a great impact. Her legacy continues to inspire girls like me across Kenya to stand up for their rights and to believe in their power to create the change they want to see.

On this day, we acknowledge that girls may be faced with challenges like poverty, violence, or inequality, but these are not the things that define us. What defines us is our resilience, our hope, and our unstoppable desire to create a better life for ourself and our community. As Michelle Obama once said, “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” This is the truth I hold dear for every girl ,we are the future, and the world is better because of us.