As the world celebrated the International Day of the Girl Child and marked 30 years since the historic Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, Polycom Girls in partnership with Room to Read joined the global community in honouring the power, voice, and potential of every girl.
Themed “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead,” the celebration at the Salvation Army in Kibera called for renewed commitment to empower girls as agents of change and leaders shaping a just, inclusive future.
This year’s event spotlighted Room to Read’s global “She Creates Change” project—an inspiring storytelling initiative that amplifies the voices of girls who have overcome immense challenges to lead transformation within their communities. In Kenya, Polycom Girls has localized the project across Kibera and Homa Bay County, combining storytelling, mentorship, and creativity to nurture leadership among adolescent girls.
“Accessing Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights remains a challenge for many girls in informal settlements, but through Polycom Girls’ programs, we’ve kept hundreds of girls in school by addressing issues around menstruation, education, and dignity,” Brenda Kalekye, Board Member, Polycom Girls
The event featured film screenings, interactive sharing circles, and a Siri Ya Mwezi comic session on menstrual health and dignity—tools that help break taboos and foster dialogue.
According to Lavenda Odhiambo, a mentor at Polycom Girls, the initiative strongly aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 and 5 Quality Education and Gender Equality, both crucial in empowering girls with the knowledge, leadership, and confidence to effect community change.
“Through storytelling, we help girls relate, reflect, and rise. They begin to see themselves as leaders and decision-makers,” Lavenda Odhiambo, Mentor, Polycom Girls
Esther Musavi, who leads the organization’s menstrual health program, highlighted the continued struggle for access to hygiene products in informal settlements and rural areas. Through partnerships with local women producing reusable pads, the program ensures dignity and keeps girls in school.
“Many of the girls we support have faced FGM, teenage pregnancy, and early marriage. Through small grants and mentorship, we help them return to school,” Esther Musavi, Menstrual Health Program Lead
Lydia Achieng, an adolescent mentor and member of the UNFPA Youth Advisory Panel, emphasized the importance of mentorship in building confidence and leadership.
“For too long, girls have shied away from leadership. But through mentorship and multimedia programs like She Creates Change, we’re seeing transformation. Girls are now taking initiative in schools, communities, and even national forums,” Lydia Achieng, UNFPA Youth Advisory Panel
The event also highlighted the role of men and boys as allies. Kelvin Ouma, a male champion with Polycom Girls, noted that achieving gender equality requires partnership rather than competition.
“This is not a gender fight. Men and boys must collaborate with girls to create safe, equitable spaces for all,” Kelvin Ouma, Male Champion, Polycom Girls
Meanwhile, Chris Musonya, a patron supporting girls in schools, spoke about Polycom’s innovative “Talking Boxes” initiative that allows girls to confidentially report issues affecting them.
“Our quick response teams ensure girls receive emotional and practical support to stay in school,” Chris Musonya, Patron, Polycom Girls
Why It Matters
According to UNICEF, over 129 million girls worldwide are out of school. In Kenya, the barriers are acute. In Homa Bay County, about 33% of girls aged 15–19 are either mothers or expectant—nearly twice the national average of 18%. The teenage fertility rate there stands at a staggering 178 births per 1,000 girls. In Kibera, poverty, lack of menstrual products, and early marriage continue to push many girls out of school.
These realities underscore the urgency of investing in girls’ education and wellbeing. Programs like She Creates Change bridge gender and education gaps, equipping girls with the skills and confidence to lead change in their communities.
Education + Equality = Empowerment
Three decades after the Beijing Declaration, the link between education (SDG 4) and gender equality (SDG 5) remains vital to sustainable development. Educated girls gain confidence, agency, and economic independence, breaking cycles of poverty and inequality.
A Movement for Change
As the celebration concluded, one message resonated deeply: empowering girls is not just about education, it’s about transformation.
“The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead” is more than a theme; it’s a movement. One that begins with a story, grows with mentorship, and blossoms into leadership.
Polycom Girls and Room to Read reaffirmed their shared commitment to creating a world where every girl can dream freely, learn confidently, and lead boldly.