The world marks the 10th anniversary of the “international day of the girl child” today. This year’s theme for the day is, “Our time is now—our rights, our future“. There have been significant strides made over the years in the protection and observation of girl’s rights, but still more needs to be done.
A report released by Equality Now Kenya pinpoints Kenya as a hotspot for the commercial sexual exploitation of children in East Africa. “There are an estimated 6,356 children in the coastal towns of Kilifi, Kwale, and Mombasa who are currently engaged in CSEC (commercial sexual exploitation of children), accounting for 1.6 per cent of the total population of 13-17 year-olds across the three counties, including 2.4 per cent of female 13-17-year-olds and 0.7 per cent of male 13-17-year-olds,” the report stated.
The International Day of the Girl Child focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights. With this in mind, there has been increased attention on issues that matter to girls amongst governments, policymakers and the general public, and more opportunities for girls to have their voices heard on the global stage.
As we mark the International Day for the Girl Child, we must remember the first time of protection of children lies on us adults more so Christians.
