The University of Nairobi, in collaboration with the Nairobi City County, Stretchers Youth Organization among other partners hosted the 5^th Girl Summit 2023 at Taifa Hall. The event brought together girls and women from all over the country.

The monumental occasion was held to commemorate the International Day  of the Girl Child from 10^th  to 11^th October 2023.  

The theme for this year being “ Invest in Girl Rights; Our Leadership our well-being” is to empower the Girl- Child and advocate for girls Rights and well being and is focused on discussing matters teenage pregnancies, Gender based Violence, Mental health, sexual reproductive Health programming, female genital mutilation, early marriage, Adolescent SRHR Programming, leadership, education and climate action.

The first day  started off with breakout sessions that focused on major thematic issues and featured panelist discussions.

The second day of the commemoration of the girl-child was graced by the  CS, Youth Affairs, and Sports Hon Ababu Namwamba, Nairobi Women Rep. Esther Passaris, UoN VC, Prof Stephen Kiama  among other dignitaries.

During his address Hon. Ababu Namwamba asked the audience not to afraid to dream big “Don't be afraid to try new things, Don't be afraid to dream big, the future belongs to those that believe in the beauty of their dreams. I challenge you to dare to dream” He also encouraged the girls to take advantage of the presidential innovation challenge which is being spearheaded by his ministry.

In her speech Hon. Esther Pessaries voiced her concerns to placing women and girls to all positions “ we came to empower and celebrate our girls and to remind them that “ Its ok not to be ok” we need girls and women in all positions, including leadership roles, to transform the way things are done and to ensure that girls and women’s perspectives are considered and valued. The girls and women should be given a chance to education and not subjecting them to barbaric acts of fgm/c and child marriage”

In her remark The county Executive  CECM Dr Anastacia Nyalita, who was representing the Nairobi Governor, NCCG, noted “ Adolescent girls and young women are our future leaders, catalyzing their potentials and investing in them appropriately will bring massive positive outcomes now and in the future.

In his part the UoN VC Prof. Stephen Kiama noted “ I wholeheartedly believe in the power and potential of our girls. They are not just the beneficiaries of education and development, but they are also the drivers of change and progress. Education is the key that unlocks numerous opportunities, enabling girls to fulfill their dreams and aspirations. And that is why we, as educators and administrators, must ensure that every girl has access to quality education”