Zero Tolerance Day and Strengthening Girl-Centered Programming
As we step into the new year, we are filled with renewed energy, purpose, and commitment to advancing the rights and wellbeing of girls and women in our communities. At Nayiari, we have already hit the ground running, driven by our mission to create safe, supportive, and empowering spaces for every girl.
Commemorating Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation
Every year on 6th February, the world marks the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
This year, as part of the Narok Gender Technical Working Group, we joined fellow stakeholders to commemorate the day at Naikarra Comprehensive School. We also had a full day with the children at Esupetai School, where we discussed the dangers of FGM, where to get help, and how they can be agents of positive change in their communities. They shared a lot of information that they have learned over time in a peer learning exercise.
The theme, “Towards 2030: No End to FGM without Sustained Commitment and Investment,” served as a powerful reminder that ending FGM requires collective action, adequate resources, and sustained commitment from all sectors of society.
FGM continues to harm the physical, emotional, and reproductive health of girls and women. It leads to complications such as excessive bleeding, scarring, tears, infections, and fistula, among others. In the communities where we work, FGM also contributes significantly to teenage pregnancies and early marriages.
Globally, one in three girls has undergone this harmful practice.
In Narok and Kajiado Counties, prevalence remains high at 51% and 63% respectively.
According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), over 4 million girls are at risk of FGM each year.
During the commemoration, learners from different schools shared powerful messages through songs, dances, poems, and drama, highlighting the dangers of FGM and the importance of protecting girls. Local administrators also addressed parents and community members, emphasizing the legal consequences of practicing FGM. Most importantly, children were empowered with information on where and how to seek help when faced with risk.
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Building Capacity Through Girl-Centered Training
In addition to advocacy and community engagement, strengthening our internal capacity remains a key priority for Nayiari.
Recently, our team participated in a three-day training on Girl-Centered Programming, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), Asset Building, and Mentorship.
The training was organized by Girl Rising and She’s The First. It aimed to equip our staff with practical tools, innovative approaches, and evidence-based strategies to enhance our work with girls.
Through this training, our team gained deeper insights into designing inclusive programmes, supporting girls’ leadership, promoting healthy choices, and building resilience among young people. These skills will help us improve the quality and impact of our interventions in the long term.
At Nayiari, we believe that lasting change is achieved through collaboration. Working with like-minded organizations, community leaders, government agencies, and development partners enables us to reach more girls and create stronger support systems.
Our participation in Zero Tolerance Day and capacity-building training reflects our commitment to partnership, learning, and shared responsibility in ending harmful practices and promoting girls’ rights.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward in this new year, we remain dedicated to ensuring that girls stay in school, grow in confidence, and live free from violence, discrimination, and harmful traditions. Every activity we undertake is guided by our vision of empowered girls who can reach their full potential.
We are grateful for the continued support of our partners, donors, and community members. Together, we can create safer environments where girls are protected, heard, and supported to thrive.
Thank you for standing with us as we work towards a future where every girl has the opportunity to learn, lead, and succeed.
