International Day of the Girl Child

YES Kenya outline how they plan to celebrate on 11 October.

According to the statistics by UN Women, there are approximately 1.1 billion girls in the world. Every one of these girls deserves equal opportunities for a better future. When properly nurtured, girls are a source of energy, power and creativity. They can drive change and help build a better future for all.

Many girls are disadvantaged and face discrimination on a daily basis, and many are undergoing a varied degree of crisis and suffering. Every ten minutes, somewhere in the world, an adolescent girl dies as a result of violence.

Adolescent girls in conflict zones are 90% more likely to be out of school when compared to girls in conflict-free countries, compromising their future prospects for work and financial independence as adults.

YES and the plight of the girl child

YES Kenya is a sport for social impact organisation that uses sports as a catalyst for initiating and implementing lasting changes among girls living in rural communities and less privileged families. The organisation, in liaison with G-Amini has in the past organised life planning trainings for over 50 girls who are taking part in our programme. The organisation has also set up a safe space in the form of a youth-friendly corner where girls meet and share their experiences in life. YES Kenya also uses well designed game packs (drills) to train life skills and responsible living to the girls.

Activities of the day will include exhibition booths with the following themes: