Nairobi, Kenya,

On International Women’s Day (IWD), Lavington Girls High School came alive as Polycom Girls joined the girls in celebration. The event, held in collaboration with Dagoretti North MP, Hon. Beatrice Elachi, marked a major milestone in empowering women and girls to take up all spaces including leadership positions.

The collaboration was as a result of an informative legislative meeting facilitated by KEWOPA (Kenya Women Parliamentary Association), with female MPs from across the country gathering to discuss critical issues affecting women and girls in Kenya. Among the topics was the transformative impact of the “talking box,” a simple yet revolutionary tool that has been making waves in schools nationwide. The talking box, designed to foster open conversations, has become a part of the learning process, with girls seeking guidance, mentorship, and a safe space to share their experiences, through scribbled notes inside a locked box.

Impressed by the positive outcomes observed in schools where the talking box was deployed, Hon. Beatrice Elachi extended a heartfelt invitation to Polycom Girls to visit Lavington Girls High School, with a mission to empower yet another girl. The request was equally straightforward, with the girls requesting a talking box donation to keep speaking their minds beyond this International Women’s Day.

Our team from Polycom Girls rose to the occasion with an unwavering contribution to the talking box, words of encouragement, advice, and stories of resilience. But that was not all. Recognizing the practical challenges faced by girls, the organization also donated 200 pieces of sanitary towels. These seemingly small items hold immense significance for girls, ensuring their comfort and dignity during their menstrual cycles. It is a tangible gesture that speaks volumes about our organization’s dedication to the feminine holistic well-being.

The IWD celebration was also graced by Hon. Esther Passaris, former First Daughter Winnie Kibaki who shared anecdotes of their own feminine journeys, emphasizing the power of education and resilience. And, of course, Hon. Beatrice Elachi reflecting on leadership and advocacy. The day was filled with music, dance, and powerful messages tailored to uplift and motivate the girls present telling them that “You matter. Your voice matters.” Polycom Girls’ commitment to adolescent girls extends beyond the classroom. It is about nurturing resilience. In the words of Hon. Esther Passaris, “When girls rise, nations thrive.” What a beautiful way to conclude the IWD by investing constantly in young minds!

17 Women, 17 Countries, 17 SDGs

The Polycom Girl’s team applauds its Founding Executive Director Jane Anyango, who is Kenya’s face of SDG 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities. Through an initiative dubbed “17 Faces of Action,” Jane’s outstanding contributions to promoting sustainable urbanization and community development in the grassroots areas where Polycom operates have been applauded.

“I am empowered to bridge the efforts of local women like me with established frameworks, recognizing that true change originates at the grassroots. When those directly impacted acknowledge the transformation, it signifies lasting and sustainable progress,” Stated Jane.

In a groundbreaking collaboration at the University of Nairobi, between The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, the United Nations in Geneva, SDG Kenya Forum, and the Association of Swiss Women and Empowerment (ASWE), a global monumental initiative was launched to spotlight women driving change across the globe. “17 Faces of Action,” aims to identify and celebrate 17 women from 17 countries who embody the spirit of each of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). ASWE’s “17 Faces of Action” main supporter, the Director-General of the United Nations Office in Geneva, Mrs. Tatiana Valovaya, the first woman to hold this position, stated her desire to have women and men granted equal opportunities. “It is self-evident that we will not achieve any of our goals if half of humanity is left aside,” states Mrs. Tatiana, as she acknowledged the importance of the exhibition in Nairobi.

Jane’s journey towards becoming the Kenyan face of SDG 11 began with her involvement in the New Urban Agenda, a global vision for sustainable urbanization. Through her leadership, Polycom Girls has been instrumental in organizing annual events like the Urban Thinkers Campus, gathering diverse national stakeholders to address the challenges of urban development, especially in the informal settlements where Polycom works.

One of the remarkable urban initiatives spearheaded by Jane’s team at Polycom is the Talking Boxes in more than 50 schools, providing a safe space for girls to share their experiences and aspirations anonymously through scribbled notes. This innovative approach has not only empowered young girls but has also contributed to creating inclusive and supportive spaces within grassroots communities.

Polycom’s pioneering efforts in data collection on sexual harassment in public spaces through the Safe City Platform have set a precedent for other countries. By leveraging data-driven insights, Kenya has been able to identify hotspots of harassment and implement targeted interventions to enhance safety and security.

Jane’s selection as the face of SDG 11 in Kenya is a testament to her unwavering commitment to building sustainable cities and communities from the grassroots level. As a local woman, Jane emphasizes the importance of recognizing and amplifying the efforts of women at the grassroots level, where real change takes root and flourishes.

Through initiatives like “17 Faces of Action,” women like Jane are not only being celebrated for their achievements but are also being empowered to leverage existing frameworks like the SDGs, UN Resolution 1325, and the New Urban Agenda to drive sustainable change at the local level.

To our fellow Sisters and Allies,

It is with heavy hearts and unwavering determination that we join other women in Kenya  and come together as part of the Polycom Girls to address a grave issue plaguing our nation; femicide. The recent data from the UN Women paints a grim picture with over 500 of our sisters, daughters, and mothers have been taken from us since 2016, victims of senseless violence rooted in misogyny and patriarchal norms.

But we refuse to stay silent in the face of such tragedy. We stand shoulder to shoulder with the brave women who took to Nairobi streets in solidarity, demanding justice for those we have lost and a future where our daughters can walk freely without fear.

In our collective efforts through the #EndFemicideKe movement, we recognize that femicide is not just about isolated incidents of violence. It is a systemic issue deeply entrenched in our society, fueled by silence, shame, and victim-blaming. But we refuse to be silenced any longer.

In our preparatory meetings, Angelina from CREAW spoke truths that resonated deeply with us about  the complexities of emotions, mental health struggles, and societal pressures that push some to commit such atrocities.Some are committed by people who cannot deal with rejection. We know that change must come from within, addressing both individual and structural factors that perpetuate violence against women.

Our #EndFemicideKe movement amplifies the voices of those often marginalized including the intersex individuals, and those with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. Their stories matter, and their struggles must be acknowledged if we are to achieve true justice and equality for all.

We draw inspiration from the tireless efforts of feminist movements that came before us, challenging patriarchal norms and fighting for gender equality. We stand on their shoulders as we demand accountability from our leaders and push for legislative reforms that will hold perpetrators accountable.

But our work does not stop there. We demand concrete actions from our Kenyan government, especially the women in power who have stayed silent during these tragedies, demanding for the establishment of commissions to the improvement of data collection and the allocation of resources for prevention and support programs. We demand feminine representation and inclusion in all decision-making bodies, for we know that our voices matter and our experiences must be heard.

As we continue our fight against femicide, let us remember the power of solidarity and collective action. Together, we are a force to be reckoned with, and together, we will create a future where we as women and girls, together with our sisters, daughters, and mothers can live free from fear of untimely death in the name of femicide.

In solidarity with #EndFemicideKe,

The Polycom Girls Organization.