Strengthening Community Voices for Stronger Advocacy
October 22, 2025
KCDF takes part in Peace Connect 2025
October 27, 2025A recent study conducted in a girls’ high school in Nairobi County through the KCDF’s InspireHer Mentorship Programme revealed that many teenage girls struggle mainly with self-confidence and self-awareness.
InspireHer Mentorship Programme is a girl child empowerment and development programme that seeks to address challenges encountered by girls in Kenya through our grant-making efforts and by working with other partners who are passionate about these issues and seek to give girls an equal chance to compete and lead a fulfilled life.
Findings from this internal research and baseline study show that girl students are eager to build essential life skills alongside their academic journey.
The Findings
The top areas of interest identified include:
- Self-confidence (72%)
- Self-awareness (53%)
- Healthy relationships (50%)
- Positive values (33%)
- Visioning and goal-setting (30%)
- Sexual and reproductive health (21%)
- Drug and substance abuse awareness (14%)
At KCDF, our ongoing mentorship work in schools has offered valuable insights into what today’s learners truly need to succeed academically and grow holistically as confident, empowered individuals.
More importantly, through the study, the students voiced a strong desire for practical, relatable guidance, real-life “life hacks” that help them navigate everyday challenges such as peer pressure, identity, personal safety, and planning for the future.
The study also highlighted that learners prefer interactive, participatory sessions over traditional lecture-style formats. They expressed their preference of being engaged, heard, and involved in shaping the conversations that affect their lives.
These findings continue to guide and strengthen the InspireHer Programme, as we work to create meaningful, student-centred mentorship experiences that equip young people, especially girls, with the tools and confidence to take charge of their futures.
The findings of this study send a message to parents and guardians to create safe spaces for honest conversations with their children, listening to them without judgment, and supporting their personal development. This will go a long way in shaping their confidence, values, and life direction.
At KCDF, we remain committed to strengthening these mentorship pathways. When parents, schools, and communities work together, young people are better equipped to face life with courage, responsibility, and hope.
#empoweringgirlchild #girlchild #research #lifeskills
