The Chief Justice and the President of the Supreme Court of Kenya, Hon Martha Koome launched a research report on “Creating impact at the local level for girls: Learning from girls’ education interventions in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda” that was authored by Jaslika. The launch, which took place at a dinner event on 17 April 2024 in Nairobi, was the highlight of the 3-day regional conference organised by Jaslika in partnership with RELI Africa convened under the theme “From data and commitment to action: Creating a regional movement for girls’ education”. This speech by the Chief Justice was read out on her behalf by Justice Njoki Ndungu of the Supreme Court of Kenya, who represented her at the event.
All Protocols Observed!
It is a great honour to join you for this Dinner Event. I commend the Regional Education Learning Initiative (RELI Africa) in partnership with Jaslika for convening stakeholders to brainstorm and share ideas and experiences on how we can pursue the noble goal of transforming the landscape of girls’ education in East Africa. This is a cause close to my heart and central to our shared vision for a just and equitable society.
As the first woman Chief Justice of Kenya, I am acutely aware of the pivotal role education plays in the empowerment of women and girls. It is not merely a tool for personal development but the very foundation upon which we can build a society that is just, equitable and prosperous. I am testament to the strides we have made in breaking barriers for women in every sphere of our society.
Tonight, we celebrate the launch of a groundbreaking research report, a compass that will guide the efforts geared towards nurturing the educational dreams of countless young girls across East Africa. This report not only maps out where we are but, more importantly, charts where we need to go. It is a call to action, a reminder of the work still ahead, and a testament to the strides we have already made.
In recent years, East Africa has witnessed remarkable progress in advancing girls’ education. In some areas, girls have not only caught up but have surpassed boys in both attendance and academic achievement. This progress, while worthy of celebration, does not mask the significant challenges that remain. Many of our girls continue to face barriers that limit their potential. It is how to tackle and dismantle these remaining barriers that has brought us together this evening.
From my personal experience, throughout my career, I have navigated a landscape dominated by patriarchal values, overcoming challenges that many women across the region continue to face. Each step forward in my journey has been a step towards dismantling these barriers, not just for myself but for all women who will follow. The fact that I have risen to the peak of my career, as the head of one of the three arms of government, symbolizes what is possible when girls are given the education, opportunities and support they deserve.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The theme of the Conference, “From Data and Commitment to Action: Creating a Regional Movement for Girls’ Education,” is both a reflection of the achievements attained so far and a roadmap for the journey ahead.
Despite the progress we have made, many of our girls continue to face daunting challenges that hinder their educational journey. The report we launch today shines a light on these challenges and charts a course towards overcoming them. It calls on each of us to leverage our positions of influence and commit to tangible, systemic changes that will forge a brighter future for girls in East Africa.
As Chief Justice, I recognize the critical role that the law plays in protecting and advancing the rights of women and girls. Indeed, the Judiciary has a unique responsibility to ensure that our laws are interpreted in a manner that promotes gender equality and enables women and girls to enjoy the right to education but are also vigorously enforced. This is in appreciation that education is a fundamental right under our Constitution, and is pivotal in the fight against inequality and injustice. I therefore use this opportunity to assure you that the Judiciary is committed to enforcing laws and policies that protect and promote girls’ education because we recognize that education is the bedrock of social and economic empowerment.
In order to create impact at the local level for girls’ education, we must enhance the responsiveness of our educational infrastructures to meet the specific needs of girls. This involves not only providing access but ensuring that our educational environments are safe, inclusive, and conducive to learning.
We must also ensure the movements and collaboration networks for girls’ education and empowerment are rooted in the communities they aim to serve. It is only through strengthened collaboration, anchored in community organising and action that we can create sustainable change.
We must also constantly reengineer how we approach education to be responsive to contemporary realities, that way, we lay the groundwork for a society that values and uplifts the education of its girls.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The objectives that informed this convening of stakeholders who are championing the education of our girls are ambitious, yet they are within our reach. As we launch the Girls’ Education project under the auspices of RELI Africa, let us remember that education is not just a basic human right - it is the catalyst for change. It is the force that will drive our region forward, breaking the cycle of poverty and inequality.
To the policymakers, educators, activists, and leaders in this room: our task is formidable but not insurmountable. The objectives set out for this stakeholders’ convening are not merely goals; they are commitments we make to our daughters, sisters, and mothers. They are promises to future generations that their dreams are valid and their education a priority.
As we reflect on the persistent bottlenecks to girls’ education and discuss innovative, sustainable solutions, I urge each one of us to recommit to this cause. Let us leave here not just with insights and inspiration, but with concrete, actionable steps that we will take to ensure no girl is left behind.
In closing, I urge each one of you to join hands in this noble endeavour. Let us be relentless in our pursuit of justice, equity, and empowerment for all our children, especially our girls. For in their success lies the success of our nations.
I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to RELI Africa, Jaslika, and all the organising partners and participants. Together, let us move from commitment to action, from data to development, and from individual efforts to a collective movement that champions the education of every girl in East Africa.
