In the rural corners of Meru, West Pokot, and Samburu Counties, aspirations bloom. Innocent faces beam with hope as they share their dreams to become teachers, journalists, professors, and more. Their innocent faces radiate with the belief that they can break free from the confines of their villages and chase their dreams.
However, woven into the fabric of their dreams are the harsh realities of harmful practices like female genital mutilation (FGM), and child marriage, coupled with teenage pregnancies. These issues cast a shadow over girls’ aspirations, threatening to cut off their journey towards fulfillment. The simple act of walking to and from school each day carries inherent risks. Despite the odds, they persevere,
Ada, a young girl from Meru, recounts a harrowing encounter, where she faced the unwelcome advances of a man while walking home from school. “ As I walked home from school, a man stopped me, asking to touch me” Her story raises questions about whether the girls truly understand the magnitude of the threats that surround them, a magnitude that remains largely unbeknownst to them.
Innocence becomes their vulnerability as they navigate a world where gender and social norms are deeply entrenched, exploiting their lack of knowledge. Recognizing the urgent need to safeguard these girls, the MenEndFGM Foundation supported by Mundo Cooperante brought forth, THE GIRL GUARD MOVEMENT —a sisterhood that empowers girls through mentorship programs, equipping them with the knowledge of their rights and confidence to advocate for themselves. Rooted in love, care, and protection values, this sisterhood echoes the Right To be a Girl.
Gradually, the girls shed their innocence as they delve deeper into crucial topics. They come to grasp the essence of childhood, the significance of being a girl, and the multifaceted nature of growth and development. Exploring subjects such as FGM, child marriage, menstrual hygiene, and SGBV, the girls begin to light up with an understanding of their rights and discern what violates them.
Empowered by this knowledge, their thirst for self-discovery and comprehension intensifies. With each passing day, their faces radiate with newfound confidence, as they recognize and confront instances that infringe upon their rights. This progress echoes the words of Kofi Annan: “Knowledge is power, information is liberating, education is the premise of progress in every society, in every family.”
The transformation is undeniable. Girls shed their timidity, emboldened by newfound knowledge and self-awareness. Meanwhile, onlookers, boys included, observe with keen interest, intrigued by the lessons unfolding before them. A desire to partake in this enlightenment emerges.
Parents, impressed by the impact of the movement, advocate for its expansion. “If possible, extend the program to other grades,” remarked Cynthia’s father from Samburu. “We acknowledge the girls involved in the movement, Wasichana wa Girl Guard,” he added, highlighting the sense of responsibility instilled in them.
The impact of sharing knowledge on rights through the Girl Guard Movement has been profound for both the girls and their schools. “My girls have changed, they now communicate more openly and share what they are told by boys and family members,” remarks Teacher Ann Wanja from Meru. The girls themselves have come to appreciate the transformative power of education. “I am determined to excel in school so that I can become a doctor and assist the women in my community who have suffered from FGM,” says Jerop from West Pokot.
The true power of Knowledge lies in sharing it. By sharing knowledge on rights, we take a crucial step towards liberation for these young girls, empowering them to advocate for themselves and others.
