The International Day of the Girl 2024 celebration in Kenya’s Korogocho slums focused on the theme “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” bringing together community members, NGOs, and local officials to address the critical challenges girls face in informal settlements. Organized by the Slum Child Foundation and partners, the event highlighted barriers such as substance abuse, crime, period poverty, and limited access to education and health resources—key issues affecting girls’ well-being and opportunities.

The day’s activities centered on engaging girls with the Beijing Declaration and identifying gaps in policy and government programs, particularly regarding reproductive health rights. Through discussions, sports, and group activities, girls shared their experiences and proposed solutions.

The key messages from the event emphasize that girls in these communities face serious challenges, including inadequate menstrual health support, gender-based violence, and stigma, often compounded by poverty. To address these issues, participants called for stronger policies aligned with the Beijing Declaration, increased education and health support, targeted programs to prevent substance abuse, and better protection against gender-based violence. They also highlighted the importance of international partnerships to expand resources and support for local initiatives.

This event underscored the need for comprehensive community and policy action to enable girls in Kenya’s informal settlements to overcome obstacles and pursue a future filled with opportunity and empowerment.