Leaders in Garissa have urged organisations to join hands to address the needs of girls and empower them to maximise their potential.
Activist Maka Kassim said teenage pregnancies, female genital mutilation and poverty were some of the challenges the girls faced.
Speaking at NEP Girls High School on Wednesday, Kassim urged well-wishers to reach out to the girls by teaching them how to cope with the challenges they faced.
Fatuma Bathi an activist said that society cannot watch young girls get impregnated because if an action is not taken, their lives will be disrupted.
“Let’s look after all our girls’ needs and challenges and face them head-on so that they can maximise their potential,” Bathi said.
She called for concerted efforts to fight FGM, terrorism and drug abuse among young people.
Ahmed Abdi, Garissa county gender director, said the Bible and Quran are against FGM and any form of violence against women.
He called upon political leaders to join and help fight for the rights of the girl child and advocate for an equal chance to education.
He urged the girls to ensure they report all cases suspected to border sexual harassment, violence or discrimination.
Nep Girls High School student Aisha Omar said girls should be given their rights and ensure they are trained to acquire knowledge on how to resist sexual advances that lead to early pregnancies and other immoralities.
Student Saadia Ali called on parents and guardians to remain actively involved in their children’s lives, to mentor and guide them.
“Mentorship works when you have parents or guardians and teachers who are committed to ensuring that you succeed,” she said.
“Most important is self-discipline, focus and hard work. This is the way to go. Pushing yourself to the limit ultimately pays off.”
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
