High Commissioner

Migori County residents have been challenged to empower girl child through education as a move to eliminate early marriages.

Speaking during the celebration of International Day of African Child at Migori primary school today, Canada High Commissioner to Kenya David Angell asked residents to use education as a tool of improving status of a woman in society.

He said developed societies have been build through empowering and recognizing position of a woman in the society.

“Girls are important instruments of change. They need to be included as core participants in issues that affect their lives that will enable them make a difference,” Angell said.

He noted that Canada has been actively involved in the fight against child abuse and forced marriages.

Angell pointed out lack of quality and accessible education as factors threatening girls’ education in most of the African countries.

The High Commissioner reiterated that African potential can only be realised if women and girls have their human rights respected.

“If we talk about African potential we cannot ignore the vital role women and girls as agents of positive change,” he said.

He called upon Kenyans to improve economy, expand its democracy and to invest more on its women since the World is keenly watching the significant steps taken by African countries to attain them.

Angell said Canada in particular welcomes leadership of the country’s first lady Margaret Kenyatta as a leading voice in women empowerment.

This year’s theme was “Empowering African Girls to Reach Their Full Potential by Delaying Marriage and Staying in School” was also attended by the county cabinet secretary for Education Hon. Charles Ogutu who represented Governor Zachary Obado.