KISUMU: The Sky Girls Initiative has called for increased involvement from parents, schools, and communities to support programmes that empower teenage girls to make informed life choices.

Speaking during the “Sky Fest” in Kisumu, on Saturday June 14, Sky Girls Country Director Svetlana P revealed that while the initiative has successfully reached thousands of girls, expanding to more regions remains a challenge due to funding and partnership limitations.

Ms Svetlana noted that deepening parental engagement is a top priority for the organization, acknowledging that awareness of the programme among adults remains relatively low despite its deep impact on young girls.

“Parental consent is required before girls can participate in Sky Girls activities,” Svetlana emphasized, noting that parents are indispensable partners in this empowerment journey. She also expressed hope that similar structured initiatives would eventually be introduced to support boys.

The movement has seen explosive growth over the last few years, according to Sky Girls Head of Events Bree Kamau.

What began with roughly 1,500 participants at its Kenyan launch in 2020 has transformed into a massive network, evidenced by the more than 5,000 girls who attended the Kisumu festival.

Kamau credited this expansion to the schools, parents, and communities that have increasingly embraced the programme, boosting its visibility nationwide. She added that many young girls now proudly identify with the initiative and cherish the supportive sisterhood it builds.

60 schools

Project Manager Lorraine Kojwang noted that more than 60 schools participated in this year’s event, bringing together girls aged between 12 and 19 from across Kisumu County.

“The programme seeks to empower every girl regardless of her background,” Kojwang explained, adding that the initiative ensures no girl feels excluded from mentorship and personal development opportunities.

Kojwang further highlighted that Sky Girls operates as a year-round behaviour-change communication programme. Through consistent school and community activities, it tackles critical issues facing adolescents, including sexual pressure, teen pregnancy prevention, and self-confidence.

This year’s event, themed “Peace Over Pressure,” underscored the importance of helping young girls resist negative peer influences while building the confidence, leadership skills, and healthy decision-making habits necessary to shape a secure future.