Girls Lead the Way: Polycom Assembly Ignites Bold Leadership Wave in Kenya

The 5th Edition of the Girls Assembly, hosted by Polycom Girls on July 25, 2025, in Nairobi, ignited a powerful movement championing the voices, leadership, and rights of adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) across Kenya.

Held under the theme “Legacy in Motion: Her Voice, Her Power, Our Future,” the two-day event gathered hundreds of girls from Kibera, Homabay, Kajiado, Nairobi’s informal settlements, and universities nationwide.

Polycom Girls, a Pan-African feminist, women-led organization, has spent over two decades empowering girls—particularly in informal settlements—by dismantling socio-economic barriers through advocacy, education, and leadership building.

This year’s Assembly underscored that commitment through storytelling, urban carnivals, art, innovation challenges, and intergenerational dialogues aimed at catalyzing a just and inclusive future.

A Platform for Transformation

“This Assembly is not just about reflection—it’s about honouring the journey, amplifying girls’ voices, and preparing them to take up leadership in every sphere,” said Wendy Aura, Programs Manager at Polycom Girls.

She highlighted intentional leadership development efforts in Nairobi and Homabay, which have helped local girls access global forums such as Beijing+30, the SDGs, and the Gender Equality Forum (GEF).

One of the standout outcomes from the Assembly is the Feminspire Innovation Challenge, a youth-led initiative that supports young mothers and girls in pitching community-impact ideas, with winners receiving seed funding to bring their solutions to life.

Voices of Urgency and Action

The Assembly served as both a celebration of resilience and a platform to confront ongoing challenges. Speaking at the event, Hon. Millie Odhiambo, MP for Suba North, decried the rising cases of grooming and early pregnancies among school girls.

“When you see a 10-year-old pregnant, it means grooming has been happening,” she said. “We need policies on Sexual and Reproductive Health. Events like this are changing lives by giving girls tools and confidence to speak out and lead.”

Jane Anyango, Founder and Director of Polycom Girls, emphasized the transformational journey girls have taken. “They have moved from silence to strength—mentored by women who walked before them, and now innovating for their futures.”

Partnerships for Collective Impact

The Assembly also witnessed stronger partnerships with like-minded organizations. Rachelle Ouko, Founder of Daraja Letu Foundation, launched a six-month mentorship program for newly elected AGYW leaders in collaboration with Polycom.

She called on civil society organizations (CSOs) to build coalitions rather than work in silos. “We cannot fight grooming, sexual harassment, and violence in informal settlements alone,” she said, citing the IMatter campaign and UN Resolution 1325 as frameworks for advancing women, peace, and security.

New Generation of Leaders Rising

Two newly elected She Leads Representatives, Stacy Akinyi (Nairobi County) and Nancy Akinyi Ochieng (Homabay County), shared their bold visions for climate action, mental health awareness, unity, and youth entrepreneurship.

“This is a dream come true,” said Stacy. “When I leave this role, I want to be remembered as the leader who delivered what she promised.”

A Call for National Replication

The Girls Assembly is not just a yearly event—it is a movement redefining what leadership looks like in Kenya. With girls in the driver’s seat, it offers a sustainable model for nurturing capable, confident young women ready to lead.

Polycom Girls is now urging county governments, learning institutions, and CSOs across Kenya to replicate and support such girl-centered spaces.

The goal: to ensure that no girl is left behind due to grooming, exploitation, or exclusion from decision-making.