Our member, Students Campaign Against Drugs (SCAD), has published a report on the challenges adolescent girls face, including an analysis of key challenges currently faced as well as recommendations on how to offer the right support.

Introduction

Every year, on June 16th and June 26th, the Day of the African Child and World Drugs Day are commemorated the world over. In 2022, the theme of the two events were “Eliminating Harmful Practices Affecting Children: Progress on Policy & Practice since 2013” and “Addressing Drug Challenges in Health and Humanitarian Crises” respectively.

Whereas the Day of the African Child sought to appraise progress made, and reflect on lost and missed policy-related opportunities to effectively eliminate harmful practices affecting Kenyan Children; the World Drug Day called on different actors to enhance access to controlled medicines, evidence-based care, treatment and services; and support to prevent negative coping behaviours.

These events are critical and underscore the need to involve and amplify the voices of young people in recognizing and taking action to address harmful practices that impede their well-being, and ability to thrive and reach their full potential.

In lieu of these events, Students Campaign Against Drugs (SCAD) organized consultations with adolescents drawn from different schools in Kiambu and Nairobi Counties, to understand their perspectives on drug use, as well as other challenges they face in health and humanitarian crises.

Objectives

1. Enhance the participation of the girl child during the commemoration of the Day of the African Child and World Drug Day

2. Identify key challenges, including drug use, that are encountered by the girl child

3. Discuss in groups and through arts, how these challenges affect the girl child, especially during the post-covid pandemic period

4. Highlight recommendations on necessary measures to address these challenges

5. Provide a platform to access debrief on pressing issues

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