By Monica Nashon
More than 5,000 teenage girls from over 60 schools across Kisumu County converged for the second edition of Sky Fest, an annual empowerment event organised by the Sky Girls Initiative.
Speaking during the event, Sky Girls Country Director Svetlana P. said Sky Fest is the flagship gathering for Sky Girls, bringing together the various activities undertaken by the programme throughout the year.
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She explained that the initiative targets girls aged between 12 and 19 years — a critical stage of development when many undergo physical and psychological changes that can affect their confidence and expose them to various forms of pressure.
According to Svetlana, Sky Girls equips girls with the knowledge, skills and confidence to resist tobacco use, sexual pressure and other harmful behaviours that could negatively impact their futures.
She noted that no girl inherently aspires to start smoking, but many fall victim to peer influence, underscoring the importance of empowerment and informed decision-making.
She added that the programme has recorded significant success in influencing positive behavioural change, with girls participating in Sky Girls demonstrating improved understanding of HIV prevention, reproductive health and the confidence to make independent decisions.
Sky Girls Head of Events Bree Kamau said the programme was launched in Kenya in 2020 and now operates in seven African countries, having first been established in Botswana in 2014.
She noted that the movement has grown substantially over the years, with attendance at Sky Fest rising from about 1,500 girls during the inaugural event to more than 5,000 participants in Kisumu this year.
Bree added that awareness of the programme has reached approximately 80 per cent in Kisumu and Nairobi, with schools, communities and parents increasingly embracing the initiative.
Project Manager Lorraine Kojwang said the event brought together girls from different parts of Kisumu County, including Ahero, Nyamasaria, Kibos, Nyahera and neighbouring areas.
She said the programme seeks to promote inclusivity by reaching girls from diverse backgrounds and equipping them with the skills needed to navigate life’s challenges.
Lorraine added that although Sky Fest is held once a year, Sky Girls activities continue throughout the year in schools and communities without disrupting learning.
Held under the theme “Peace Over Pressure”, the event focused on empowering girls to stand firm against negative influences and make positive choices regarding their health, education and future.
