The International Day of the Girl 2025 went beyond celebration! It sparked a movement of empowerment, where girls’ voices took center stage. Under the powerful theme “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead,” girls across Kilifi County gathered to celebrate their voices, dreams, and leadership during the Binti Pwani Summit, hosted in partnership with the Kilifi County Government and various civil society organizations, including Tuungane CBO.
The summit was filled with color, energy, and purpose. It brought together young girls and women who are breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and shaping new narratives for themselves and their communities. From engaging discussions on education, empowerment, and leadership to creative performances, exhibitions, and insightful panel sessions, every moment was a powerful reminder that when girls are given the right opportunities, they don’t just participate, they lead.
For Tuungane CBO, the day reaffirmed our belief in the transformative power of girls. Through our community programs, from beach soccer and art for social change to leadership mentorship, climate action, GBV prevention and access to justice, and livelihood initiatives, we continue to witness the resilience, creativity, and courage of girls who are driving change at the grassroots level. Their stories remind us that when girls are supported and given space to lead, communities thrive.
The Binti Pwani Summit also reflected the strength of collaboration and partnership. It showed that real progress happens when government institutions, community-based organizations, and development partners come together with a shared vision to empower and uplift the girl child. Working together is especially critical as Kilifi continues to face alarming rates of gender-based violence (GBV) that often lead to unwanted pregnancies, early marriages, and school dropouts. These challenges have placed the county among the highest in Kenya for such cases, affecting the future of many girls and young people.
Through sustained collaboration, advocacy, and empowerment, we can rewrite this story, building a better Kilifi and a better world where girls can learn, lead, and live free from violence. A world where they not only dream of change but also lead the change they want to see.
As the music faded and the celebrations ended, one message lingered in the air: the future belongs to girls who dare to lead. And as Tuungane CBO, we stand ready to walk beside them, nurturing dreams, amplifying voices, and co-creating spaces where every girl can thrive.
Here’s to the girl I am, the change I lead and the brighter future we’re building together.