More than a game: Powerful voices, second chances and new possibilities for girls in Kilifi

By Emma Mogaka.

The IDG(International Day of the Girl) Theme 2026: End Child Marriage, Invest in Girls’ Rights, Keep Her in School came alive during the International Day of the Girl celebrations in Kilifi County on Oct. 12, 2026. The day was filled with energy, powerful conversations, inspiring stories and a shared commitment to protecting girls' rights.

Protecting girls’ rights, a shared responsibility

Moving the Goalposts (MTG) hosted the celebrations with support from the Gender in Education Movement (GiEM) and its partners, including Girl Rising, Girl Child Network, Mizizi Elimu Afrika, PAL Network and Women Educational Researchers of Kenya. The celebration brought together girls, boys, community members, government representatives and development partners.

We were honoured to have the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC), Kilifi County Government officials and other partners working in Kilifi. Their participation reinforced the importance of collective responsibility in addressing the challenges affecting girls' education, safety, and opportunities.

Learning about gender-based violence through a football drill

One of the day's highlights was the incredible energy the girls brought in  Learning, Playing and Leading Through Football! Through interactive football drills facilitated by Moving the Goalposts, girls explored important issues affecting their lives, including gender-based violence, child marriage and emotional wellbeing.

The drills created opportunities for girls to discuss recognising and reporting violence, including rape, defilement, sexual harassment and other forms of abuse. Importantly, girls were encouraged to understand that violence is never their fault and that seeking help from trusted adults and appropriate protection services is their right. Beyond these conversations, the football drills demonstrated the power of sports to build confidence, teamwork, resilience, decision-making and leadership.

Girls reinforce core messages with storytelling

The girls' performances were equally powerful. Through poetry, dance and creative expression, they raised difficult but necessary questions about their rights and futures. Their poems challenged parents, community leaders, government representatives and development partners to reflect on their responsibilities. The messages were clear: 

• Girls want protection. 

• Girls want access to education. 

• Girls want their rights respected. 

• And girls do not want to be married before they are ready.

They reminded us that girls are not merely beneficiaries of programs. They are advocates, leaders and active participants in shaping the future they want.

Teenage mothers share stories of change and empowerment 

One of the most moving moments was hearing testimonies from three teenage mothers. They shared their experiences of becoming pregnant as adolescents and how their circumstances led to early marriage. Through Moving the Goalposts' program supporting teenage mothers, the three young women have accessed skills training and are now approaching graduation as they prepare to enter the workforce. Their experiences highlighted the importance of second chances, practical support and opportunities for girls and young women to rebuild their pathways towards independence. Their stories offered a powerful reminder of how teenage pregnancy, child marriage and interrupted education can shape a girl's opportunities.

The way forward: empathy, collaboration and action

As we reflected on the day's conversations, one message stood out: poverty, harmful gender norms, insecurity, school-related barriers and inadequate support can place girls at greater risk. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated action from families, schools, community leaders, government institutions and development partners.

It also requires us to listen to girls and ensure their experiences, ideas and choices shape the solutions we develop.

The celebration in Kilifi reminded us of what becomes possible when girls have spaces to play, speak, lead and be heard. The challenge now is to turn the conversations and commitments into practical, sustained action.

At Girl Rising, we remain committed to working alongside partners and communities to create environments where every girl is safe, supported and able to pursue her dreams. Because protecting girls' rights is a responsibility we carry every day.