Girls can be Leaders. Girls can be engineers. Girls can start and own businesses. Girls can be policymakers and change the message around them from being victims and vulnerable to powerful agents of change; it is essential to support their work and leadership.
This year’s International Day of The Girl, themed “Digital generation. Our generation,” acknowledges the growing digital world and how a digital gap can also widen the gender gap. At, Wounded Healers, the fight against Sexual Violence never ends. Every other day is just an opportunity to continue advocating for girls’ equal rights, ending Violence and prejudice against them. In addition, there is the need to embrace the professional growth of girls and drop the stereotypical belief that women only belong in the kitchen and not in cooperate world.
Following this year’s theme, “Digital generation. Our generation,” focuses on bridging the digital divide. According to the United Nations, even in the post-COVID-19 world that saw businesses, education, and even parts of healthcare services moving online, “2.2 billion people below the age of 25 still do not have Internet access at home.” The report further noted that girls are more likely to be cut off, pointing to a gender divide within the digital range. It was also stated that girls are less likely than boys to “use and own devices.
More than 100 marchers, including girls, the Nairobi county government, Law enforces, Parents, and teachers marched holding placards and banners that read ” Girls can be leaders, Educate Girls, Stop Raping us” as they demanded equal opportunities in the digital generation.
“Endless possibility for girls means ending sexual violence now.” Wounded Healers Executive Director, Eunice Nuna. “let’s stop the clock on violence and ensure all girls can realize their potential. Equal Education opportunities are a must.”
“We must empower these girls and share all these stories,” she said. “It is also unfortunate that we know girls who were abused and denied opportunities, and they have to put their pain out on display for us to be taken seriously. So what we’re trying to do on this girl’s day is make sure we all lift our voices in solidarity with each other to make sure the people in power hear our message.”
Wounded Healers will continue providing a safe space for girls and support services that make healing possible, education, empowerment, and the opportunity to truly break the cycle of sexual violence. We, Will, also partner with other organizations to provide medical and vocational services to provide healing for the future and a solid foundation to build a healthy, safe, and fulfilling life for themselves.