Garissa Unites to End Child Marriage on International Day of the Girl Child 2026
Garissa, 12 October 2026. Womankind Kenya (WOKIKE) joined the Garissa Civil Society Organisations (GCSOs) Network, government partners, community leaders, parents and girls at Umulkheir Girls Centre to mark the International Day of the Girl Child 2026. This year’s global theme was “End child marriage and invest in girls’ rights!”
One voice for Garissa’s girls
The event brought together more than 15 civil society organisations and partners, each sharing their work and commitment to protecting girls in Garissa County. The programme was moderated by Abdishukri Jelle, Convenor of the GCSOs Network, and opened with welcome remarks from the Principal of Umulkheir Girls Centre.
Partners, government departments and guests of honour took turns speaking. They called for an end to child marriage and FGM, more investment in girls’ education, and stronger systems for reporting and responding to abuse.
“Your education is your power”
Speaking on behalf of WOKIKE, Programs Coordinator Halima Hussein urged the girls to stay focused on their education:
“To every girl in Garissa: your education is your power. Stay in school, believe in your dreams, and know that no one has the right to take your future away from you. If you or a girl you know is at risk of early marriage, abuse or any harm, speak up. You are not alone, and we are here for you.”
Knowledge is protection
Girls received awareness materials in Somali, “Jooji Gudniinka Hadda!” (Stop FGM Now!), supported by UNFPA, ActionAid and the European Union. The materials help girls understand their rights and know where to get help. Through the event’s Facebook Live, people beyond the venue could also follow the day and add their voices.
A sweet ending
The day closed with a joyful cake-cutting ceremony, with girls, partners and leaders celebrating side by side and renewing their shared commitment to every girl’s right to learn, grow and choose her own future. Fatuma Ahmed Bathi of the CSO Network delivered the vote of thanks.
Thank you to our partners
WOKIKE sincerely thanks the GCSOs Network and all participating organisations: GKK, WOHED, NADA, SARN, COVAW, MWARP, SUPKEM, ADSE, KRCS, SDGA, BSI, GWN, AAK, RCK and KWN.
We also appreciate Garissa County Government, the Directorate of Children Services, Probation & Aftercare, the NPS Gender Desk, NGEC, Garissa University and UNICEF Kenya. Special thanks go to the representatives from the County Department of Education & ICT and the Garissa High Court, who joined us as Chief Guests.
Speak up. Save a future.
If you know a girl at risk of child marriage, FGM or abuse, please report it:
Childline Kenya: 116 (free, 24 hours)
GBV Helpline: 1195 (free, 24 hours)
FGM reporting: SMS “HELP” to 21094
Your nearest police station, chief or children’s officer
Together, we can end child marriage in Garissa, one girl, one family and one community at a time.