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16 Days of Activism: Empower girls to build a better future, stable marriages
Attendees during the British High Commission’s 16 Days of Activism flagship event at the British High Commissioner’s Residence in Nairobi on December 4, 2025.
The 2025, 16 Days of Activism, under the theme “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” reminded us that empowerment is no longer optional; it's essential.
In many communities, girls are still raised to believe marriage is their ultimate achievement, yet lack of economic empowerment is often a major contributing factor to toxic and unstable marriages.
Financial independence is a shield. When a girl works, earns her own income, and builds confidence, she enters marriage as an equal partner, not a dependent.
But when she steps into marriage without empowerment, she may find herself tolerating harmful environments simply because she lacks the means to stand on her own. Economic dependence traps women in relationships that harm the emotional and physical well-being.
As we reflect on Gender-Based Violence during these 16 days, we must widen the conversation. The digital space offers unlimited opportunities for girls and women to learn, work and build suitable livelihoods.
From online businesses to freelancing, digital marketing, virtual assistance, coding, content creation, e-commerce etc., the digital economy is a powerful tool for financial freedom.
However, digital spaces also carry risks, harassment, exploitation and cyberbullying. That is why the theme on digital violence matters. Women and girls must be equipped not only to enter the digital world, but to do so safely, confidently and with purpose.
They should embrace technology as a means of earning decent income, not as a space where they are pressured into harmful or exploitative activities. Communities, parents and all learning and non-learning institutions should shift from preparing girls solely for marriage to preparing them for independence, leadership and lifelong skills.
Empowered girls become empowered women who choose relationships out of strength, not survival.
Empowerment does not destroy families, rather, it builds healthier ones. When girls are educated, skilled and financially secure, they make informed choices and contribute positively to their homes and society.
As we end the commemoration of the 2025, 16 days of Activism, let us champion a future where every girl is empowered whether online, off-line and long before marriage begins.
The writer is a Business Solutions Analyst, NMG
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