BY FAITH MASIGA
In preparation for the International Day of the Girl Child on 11th October, Kenya is making strides in promoting the empowerment and inclusion of girls with disabilities.
Under the theme ‘Our Time is Now, Our Rights, Our Future,’ the country is championing the cause of ensuring a better future for all girls, including those facing additional challenges due to disabilities.
Advocates, non-profit organizations, and government agencies are collaborating to amplify the voices of girls with disabilities and to address the unique barriers they face in education, healthcare, and societal integration.
Kenya is aiming to create an environment where every girl, regardless of their abilities, has an equal chance to thrive and achieve their full potential.
Some of the strides made include; the establishment of inclusive schools, which provide children with disabilities with the opportunity to learn alongside their non-disabled peers.
Further, the government has enacted a number of laws to protect the rights of girls with disabilities, such as the Children’s Act and the Persons with Disabilities Act. These laws prohibit discrimination against girls with disabilities in education, employment, and healthcare.
Additionally, training and employment opportunities are being enhanced to facilitate their transition into the workforce, fostering financial independence and self-sufficiency.
Through collaborative initiatives, the aim is to break down social stigmas and stereotypes surrounding disability, encouraging a society where girls with disabilities are celebrated and fully integrated. It is recognized that empowering these girls is not only essential for their individual growth and development but also contributes to building an inclusive and equitable society.
Kenya’s efforts align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 5 (Gender Equality), highlighting the nation’s commitment to fulfilling the rights and potential of every girl, without discrimination.
As the International Day of the Girl Child approaches, the call for action resonates, urging society to prioritize and uplift the rights, dreams, and aspirations of every girl, ensuring a promising future for the nation as a whole.