Esther Muthoni Passaris has marked the International Day of the Girl Child, urging stronger action to secure the rights and future of girls in Kenya and beyond.

“Today, as we mark the International Day of the Girl Child, we are reminded that more still needs to be done to secure her future,” Passaris said.

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She highlighted the need to protect girls from sexual and gender-based violence, ensure their access to education, and allow them to pursue careers freely. She added that girls deserve equal pay for equal work and the right to marry legally and by their own choice.

“The girl child must be safe, safe from SGBV and insecurity, she must be able to complete her education, and have the freedom to pursue any career she desires. She deserves equal pay for equal work just as her male counterparts do, and when the time comes, the right to marry legally and by her own choice.”

Passaris also emphasised access to quality maternal healthcare and the dignity that comes with it.

“She must also have access to quality maternal healthcare and the full dignity that comes with it. So much remains to be done for the girl child and this is an endeavour my office will continue to push for, champion, and advocate to ensure every girl has everything she needs to become the woman she dreams of.”

What you need to know about the day

International Day of the Girl Child is observed every year on October 11.

The day highlights the rights and potential of girls worldwide. It aims to raise awareness about the challenges girls face, such as gender inequality, early marriage, and barriers to education and healthcare.

It also celebrates the achievements of girls who break boundaries and lead change in their communities.

This year’s theme focuses on empowering girls through education, technology, and leadership to ensure equal opportunities for a brighter future.

The United Nations established the International Day of the Girl Child in 2012, following a proposal by Canada and the advocacy of Plan International, a global non-governmental organisation.

The first celebration was held on 11 October 2012. The initiative aims to increase awareness of issues affecting girls worldwide, including limited access to education, forced child marriage, healthcare challenges, and violence.

Many girls are vulnerable to sexual violence, and perpetrators often go unpunished. Education has proven to reduce child marriage rates, improve health outcomes, and strengthen local economies by enabling girls to access better-paying jobs.

History and global observance

Plan International launched the “Because I Am a Girl” campaign to highlight the importance of nurturing girls, particularly in developing countries.

The campaign helped generate international attention and prompted the United Nations to adopt 11 October as the International Day of the Girl Child.

Since then, the day has grown, with events held worldwide.

Organisations and governments host activities to raise awareness and celebrate girls’ achievements.

The theme for 2025, “The girls I am, the change I lead,” focuses on empowering girls to take leadership roles and use their skills to shape the future.

It encourages communities to support girls in education, technology, and leadership, ensuring they have the tools to achieve their ambitions.