END CHILD MARRIAGE, INVEST IN GIRLS’ RIGHTS AND SECURE THEIR FUTURE Every girl deserves a childhood free from fear, discrimination and harmful practices. Child marriage denies girls the opportunity to enjoy their childhood, pursue education, develop their talents and make informed decisions about their future. It often exposes them to early pregnancies, gender-based violence and limited economic opportunities, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality. The Malindi Regional Office joined the Gender and Education Movement (GiEM) Network and other key partners in the post-commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child, held at the Moving the Goalposts (MTG) grounds in Kilifi County. Held under the theme “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights,” the commemoration provided an opportunity to raise awareness about the harmful consequences of child marriage and the collective responsibility of families, communities, institutions and duty bearers in protecting girls' rights. The engagement brought attention to the importance of keeping girls in school, challenging harmful cultural practices and creating supportive environments where girls can pursue their ambitions without discrimination or limitations imposed by early marriage. The central message was clear: Every girl deserves the chance to grow up, stay in school, discover her potential and decide what her future looks like. Ending child marriage requires more than raising awareness. It calls for sustained community engagement, enforcement of child protection laws, investment in girls' education and deliberate efforts to address the social and economic factors that place girls at risk. Protecting girls from child marriage is not only about safeguarding their childhood. It is about securing their dignity, expanding their opportunities and ensuring they have an equal chance to contribute meaningfully to society. A girl's future should be shaped by her dreams, abilities and choices, not by marriage before adulthood. #InternationalDayOfTheGirlChild #EndChildMarriage #InvestInGirlsRights #GirlsEducation #GenderEquality #ChildProtection #GirlsEmpowerment #LeaveNoOneBehind

Towards Safer, Accessible and Inclusive Public Transport for All Access to safe, affordable and reliable public transport is more than a matter of mobility. It is an essential part of ensuring that every individual, regardless of gender, age, disability or social background, can access opportunities, essential services and participate fully in society. The Kitui Regional Office joined stakeholders at the Technical Working Group (TWG) and Close-Out Meeting on the Gender Policy Tracker for Equitable Public Transport and Urban Systems, held at Paraiso Gardens Hotel in Wote, Makueni County. The engagement brought together stakeholders to examine how gender equality and inclusion can be better integrated into public transport planning, policies and urban development. Discussions focused on addressing existing barriers that continue to limit safe, accessible and equitable mobility, particularly for women, children, youth, persons with disabilities, older members of society and marginalised communities. For many individuals, accessing public transport remains a daily challenge. Concerns over personal safety, inadequate infrastructure, inaccessible transport facilities and difficulties reaching healthcare, education, employment and other essential services can significantly affect their independence, dignity and economic participation. The meeting highlighted the importance of developing transport systems that recognise and respond to these diverse experiences. This includes ensuring that transport infrastructure accommodates persons with disabilities, public spaces are safe for women and children, and mobility solutions consider the needs of older persons and communities facing social and economic exclusion. Inclusive mobility is not simply about moving people from one place to another. It is about removing the barriers that prevent individuals from accessing opportunities, exercising their rights and participating meaningfully in social and economic life. The Commission's participation provided an opportunity to contribute a gender equality and inclusion perspective to discussions on transport policy and urban systems, with particular attention to the needs of Special Interest Groups (SIGs). As stakeholders work towards more equitable public transport and urban systems, deliberate consideration of gender, disability, age and other forms of vulnerability remains essential to ensuring that transport policies and infrastructure serve everyone. A truly inclusive transport system is one in which no one is left behind because of who they are, where they live or the barriers they face. #InclusiveTransport #GenderEquality #AccessibleMobility #DisabilityInclusion #EquitableTransport #InclusiveDevelopment #LeavingNoOneBehind

NGEC IN TURKANA: COMMISSION MEETS COUNTY COMMISSIONER AND INSPECTS PROPOSED REGIONAL OFFICE The Commission continued its mission to Turkana County with a courtesy call on the County Commissioner, Mr Julius Kavita, at his office in Lodwar. The delegation was led by the Chairperson, Hon. Rehema Jaldesa. She was accompanied by Vice Chairperson Commissioner Thomas Koyier, EBS, Commissioner Caroline Lentupuru, MBS, HSC, and the Commission Secretary/CEO, Dr Purity Ngina, MBS. The discussions covered gender-based violence and domestic violence in the county. They also touched on the public debate over the equitable management of county resources, particularly revenue from oil. The Commission briefed the County Commissioner on the office space it has identified at the Bishop Mahon Centre, where it plans to establish its Turkana regional office. It also outlined a dedicated programme of male engagement. Under the programme, men will be given a platform and trained as champions of equality, non-discrimination and the rejection of violence. The Commission later visited the Bishop Mahon Centre to inspect the premises. #NGECinTurkana