The world has become more global through technology. The call for collective activism that drives change has been possible through the diverse innovative roles played by individuals and organizations ensuring that inequalities faced by women are brought to light through digital media. On this day International Women’s Day, we celebrate such people, especially women and girls who are championing change in their communities through technology to ensure that women and girls have fair treatment in governance.
Over the years, Starlight Foundation has joined the numerous voices across the globe by identifying key inequalities faced by women and girls within our communities and addressing them in a way that allows inclusion. Our LET HER KNOW, TEACH THEM YOUNG and YENHOHIA initiatives have dealt with these matters and has noted that the fight to include women and girls in all aspect of governance and community progress has had many challenges such as menstruation and the lack of menstrual hygiene products limiting the potential of most girls to pursue higher education and skills. The inequalities can also be seen in the traditional and cultural roles assigned to girls and the limitations these roles have placed our girls within the communities. Our Teach Them Young initiative has made it possible to break this barrier by ensuring that girls get comprehensive teachings on decision-making. Here, we have shown them how to build self-esteem and harness their various skills to make positive changes in their lives. We have also taught them about their reproductive health, a topic which is rarely spoken of in most homes and how to protect themselves from early marriage and teenage pregnancies which eventually lead to abusive relationships.
YENHOHIA has made it possible to identify stories of abuse, violence and inequalities against women and girls in our communities that have led them onto the streets. These stories we have shared with the world every time have led to great partnerships in the form of MENSO MEKA HOBI which places these children and their parents in a position where they can defend and fend for themselves through formal education and skills training.
We therefore on this day, join numerous voices, including women, girls and other marginalized groups in technology which will result in creative solutions across all sectors of governance. This can be possible when we break away from obsolete traditional, cultural and economic rules that hinder women from reaching their full potential.
#StarlightFoundation #LetUsSaveTheWorldTogether #InternationalWomensDay #HappyWomensDay #BreakTheBias #EmbraceEquity #IWD2023 #DigitALL
