Over 500 young women call for inclusion in fight against GBV

Stretchers Youth Organization executive director Dickson Okong’o at the Kenya School of Government in Mombasa on Thursday / BRIAN OTIENO

More than 500 young girls and women from across the Coast region on Thursday expressed the need to be actively involved in policies that affect them. They said many policies are being developed without their input.

Christine Rashid, from the Strategic Community Development Organization, emphasized the importance of meaningful inclusion.

“We want to be fully and meaningfully involved in the policies that are being created, especially on issues that affect us directly—from climate change to mental health, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and gender-based violence,” Rashid said.

She spoke during the seventh annual Girls Summit, held ahead of the 16 Days of Activism at the Kenya School of Government in Mombasa.

Rashid added that she is planning further awareness campaigns in December. “I hope that with the current concerns around gender-based violence, these cases will reduce after this year’s 16 Days of Activism, when the voices of young girls and women will be heard,” she said.

She urged the government and other stakeholders to take action on the issues raised by young women.                     

Mary Wasike, project officer at Stretchers Youth Organization, said the high number of gender-based violence cases is concerning and requires urgent attention.

“These issues affect young women in many ways. It is important that stakeholders and policy-makers understand what actions young women want to see implemented,” she said.

Wasike also highlighted access to justice as a key concern, noting that many victims are unsure of where to seek help when their rights are violated. “We want leaders to be accountable and find ways to support young women in accessing justice,” she added.

During the summit, Stretchers Youth Organization executive director Dickson Okong’o said that although policies targeting young girls are being developed, the girls themselves are often not meaningfully involved.

“Decisions have sometimes been made on gender-based violence without involving young girls and women,” Okong’o said.

He noted that mental health challenges among young girls and women are often underestimated. “As a result, there have been cases of suicide involving young girls and women,” he said, emphasizing that the summit provides a safe space for participants to share their concerns and engage in discussions on policies affecting their lives.

Okong’o also highlighted the role of girls and women in shaping policies on climate change and development, noting that their perspectives are often overlooked.

“That is why we are here at the Girls Summit—to engage young girls, appreciate their diversity, and gather their opinions on major issues. This helps stakeholders and partners work together to address the challenges they face,” he said.

He further advised young girls to exercise caution during school holidays, a period when they may be more vulnerable to risks such as teenage pregnancy.

“With the long school holiday, it is an opportunity to engage young girls, provide guidance, and create safe spaces where they can speak freely, share their opinions, and participate in policy discussions,” Okong’o said.