By Caroline Nyanga
Afro-fusion singer Iddi Achieng’ will today launch a girl-child initiative. The event kicks off at Ruby Cut Gardens, Nairobi, from 1pm. Known as Kadana – a Dholuo word for my grandmother’s place — it is to empower the girl- child.
Female professionals from Nyanza or ‘modern grandmothers’ will serve as mentors for the girls in various villages working together hand in hand with them. The programme is in partnership with a vernacular radio station includes mentorship, reproductive health, peer education, entrepreneurship, talent identification and nurturing, training and capacity building.
According to Achieng’, the programme was born out of concern for performance of the girl-child and is aimed at encouraging them in leading a productive life besides raising funds to provide sanitary towels.
"Although Nyanza is known for having produced great musicians and professors, it is sad to note that most of the girls here between Standard Five and Eight lack sanitary towels. And worse still, no one is willing to take the initiative," she says.
Some of the artistes who will grace the occasion include Lady Maureen, Kenge Kenge and Jerry Jalamo. Charges are Sh3,000 and Sh10,000 for a corporate table inclusive of lunch buffet.