Girl Power Clubs Africa Celebrates 2017 International Peace Day

On 21^st September 2017 Girl Power Clubs Africa joined the rest of the world in celebrating this year’s International Day of Peace (‘Peace One Day’). The event was marked in Nairobi with a total of 86 St. Aloysius Secondary School and giSt. Catherine’s primary School Girl Power Club members.

Themed "Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All”, the day was an occasion for individuals, organisations and nations to come together in a spirit of hope and act towards a unified and peaceful world. This year’s theme aimed to create awareness on the importance of all segments of the society to work together to strive for peace.

The celebration of the event by Girl Power Clubs was play-based, a technique that proved successful as everyone seemed to enjoy themselves as they learnt about the importance of keeping peace in their communities. The games included: Communities for Peace; Followers for Peace and Leaders for Peace, and each of them was followed by very emotive discussions where Joy Akim, the facilitator, engaged the girls on what it takes to be leaders for peace. The discussions revolved around matters like: i) What makes space peaceful or unsafe, ii) Actions people need to make space safe and iii) Taking leadership in promoting peace among community members.

This year’s Peace Day comes at a time when Kenya, an ethnically and religiously diverse nation is facing uncertainty on whether or not peace will hold following a repeat of presidential elections to be held in a few weeks to come. The repeat election follows an annulment by the Court, of the election held on 8^th August 2017. The event therefore proved useful in reminding people, regardless of age, gender or ethnic background why they need to maintain peace in their communities.

Through the games played by the girls on Peace Day, Girl Power Clubs hoped to demonstrate that we all have the capacity for peace within us and that we must set aside our differences and stand together to provide a voice for the country and the planet.

The International Day of Peace ("Peace Day") is observed around the world each year on 21 September. Established in 1981 by unanimous United Nations resolution, Peace Day provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to Peace above all differences and to contribute to building a Culture of Peace.