Girls Assembly Sparks Bold Vision for Kenya’s Future
Girls Assembly Sparks Bold Vision for Kenya’s Future
Polycom Girls, a Pan-African feminist, women-led organization based in Kenya, successfully hosted the 5th Edition of the Girls Assembly on Friday, 25th July 2025 in Nairobi. The event ran under the powerful theme: “Legacy in Motion: Her Voice, Her Power, Our Future.”
This annual, two-day event has become a vital platform. Here, adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) lead conversations on gender equality, social justice, leadership, and innovation.
For over 20 years, Polycom Girls, formerly known as Polycom Development Project has served girls in Kenya’s informal settlements. The organization continues to pioneer programs that raise girls’ voices and break down socio-economic barriers.
This year’s Assembly brought together girls from Kibera, Homabay, Kajiado, and universities across the country.
Through storytelling, art, urban carnivals, innovation challenges, and intergenerational dialogues, the event encouraged girls to imagine and shape a more just future.
Why This Assembly Matters
Despite Kenya’s progress on gender issues, many girls still face significant threats. These include grooming, sexual exploitation, early pregnancies, and exclusion from leadership spaces. Moreover, violence and limited engagement keep their futures uncertain.
Hon. Millie Odhiambo, MP for Suba North, stressed the urgency of protective policies. “When you see a 10-year-old pregnant, it means grooming has been happening,” she said. “We need policies on Sexual and Reproductive Health. Events like this are changing lives by giving girls tools and confidence to speak out and lead.”
Clearly, this Assembly is not just symbolic—it is a critical call to action. It reminds the country why girl-centered spaces must be institutionalized across all counties.
A Platform with Real Impact
According to Wendy Aura, Programs Manager at Polycom Girls, the Assembly is both reflective and forward-looking. “It’s about honoring the journey, amplifying girls’ voices, and preparing them to lead in every space,” she said.
In both Nairobi and Homabay, Polycom Girls is building leadership intentionally. Girls there are now engaging with global platforms like Beijing+30, the Sustainable Development Goals, and the Gender Equality Forum (GEF).
Girls Assembly Sparks Bold Vision for Kenya’s Future
One standout initiative is the Feminspire Innovation Challenge. Created through the Assembly, it allows young mothers and girls to pitch community projects and receive funding.
As noted by Jane Anyango, Polycom’s Founder and Director, “Girls have moved from silence to strength—mentored by women who walked before them, and now innovating for their futures.”
Partnerships for Change
The Assembly also deepened collaborations. For example, the Daraja Letu Foundation announced a six-month mentorship program for newly elected AGYW leaders. Its founder, Rachelle Ouko, emphasized the need for united action.
“We cannot fight grooming, sexual harassment, and violence in informal settlements alone,” she said. “Through the IMatter campaign and Resolution 1325, we’re building voices that influence women, peace, and security agendas.”
Emerging Girl Leaders Speak
Newly elected She Leads Representatives, Stacy Akinyi (Nairobi County) and Nancy Akinyi Ochieng (Homabay County), shared powerful visions. They called for inclusive leadership that addresses climate action, mental health, unity, and entrepreneurship.
“This is a dream come true,” said Stacy. “When I leave this role, I want to be remembered as the leader who delivered what she promised.”
A Model to Emulate Nationally
The Girls Assembly is not a one-time event, it is a growing movement. It redefines leadership by placing girls at the center. More importantly, it prepares them to lead boldly and effectively.
Polycom Girls calls on county governments, learning institutions, and civil society organizations to support and replicate such spaces. No girl should be left behind due to grooming, exploitation, or exclusion.
