She’s the first
Empowered girls break free of traditional gender roles
A world in which every girl can determine her own future. That is what She’s the First is working toward worldwide, together with local organisations. It’s all about respect, being heard and having a good education. Kate Kiama: “Almost everywhere, girls come second. For us, they come first.’
Even today in Africa, many girls do not attend school. It is other people that decide when and whom they marry. Moreover, advocating for themselves is not an option. In short, being respected is the exception, not the standard. Kate Kiama, a Kenyan lawyer and co-CEO of She’s the First: ‘Our ultimate goal is stronger outcomes for girls’ education, leadership, and agency.’ In her own words, Kiama is ‘a tireless activist for girls’ rights.’ Girls face many obstacles, she says. ‘Such as poverty, gender-based violence and discrimination, expectations for early marriage and traditional roles and restrictions on reproductive healthcare.’ They tend to marry very early on, with others deciding when she should have children as well as how many.
Mentoring programmes
She’s the First attempts to change this situation from the bottom -up. They do this by working in partnership with local organizations to empower girls. ‘We teach girls how to speak out in their home, school, and community. Women form mentorship groups that support girls’ agency and access to school. As a result, these girls become the first women in their families to speak out for themselves. We invest in mentorship programs and train mentors to be more effective in designing, implementing, and evaluating girl-centred programs, particularly on topics related to sexual and reproductive health.’
Making your voice heard
In 2024, the reach for girls in Kenya and Uganda was significant. Through more than 100 local organisations, more than 50,000 girls there participated in activities provided by She’s the First. Greater independence can actually lead to social change, says Kiama. ‘The first girls in a community to learn to stand up for themselves, are definitely not the last. If they make their voices heard, others are going to speak up as well.’
Traditional roles
Nevertheless, speaking openly about girls’ rights and social status in Kenya and Uganda is certainly a challenge. Rural areas remain very conservative. Kiama: ‘Uganda has one of the highest rates of teenage pregnancy in the region. That’s a clear sign that traditional roles are still common in rural communities. This underlines the importance of working at a grassroots level, since people in those communities are better able to understand all the nuances that are important within the social structures that prevent girls from speaking out.’
Setting the Agenda
Dioraphte likes to challenge itself and others to focus on the things happening in society. It gives people a voice that would otherwise not be heard, Sheds light on difficult situations. And facilitates solutions that show where society is struggling and how things can happen.
A game of cards to break the ice
Despite this, discussing “difficult” topics works well, continues Kiama. ‘We developed a card game girls can play with their mentor. Or with other people who are important to them, for example their aunts. The cards contain topics like setting boundaries, dealing with peer pressure, and giving consent. While playing the game, girls pose different responses to various situations with people in their lives, and they ultimately choose the best possible response. The cards really turn out to be an icebreaker.’
Long-term impact
The two-year contribution from Dioraphte is important for She’s the First’s mission, Kiama concludes.
‘This enables us to deepen and expand participation for Kenya and Uganda-based organisations in the Girls First Institute. Not many funding agencies show the courage to commit themselves to long-term funding. But it’s exactly this that is needed for us to have an impact in the long run. It’s not only about educating girls but addressing the root causes that prevent girls from choosing their own futures. And this takes time.’