The Association of Sisterhood of Kenya (AOSK) marked International Women’s Day on 7 March 2026 at St. Francis of Assisi Hola Parish in Tana River County. The event, hosted within the Catholic Diocese of Garissa, was held under the theme “Give to Gain.”
The celebration brought together religious leaders, community members and partners committed to promoting the dignity, rights and empowerment of women and girls in Tana River County.
Awareness Walk Opens the Celebration
The day’s activities began with a solidarity walk under the theme, “Say No to Early Marriage, FGM and Discrimination against Women and Girls for a Just and Equitable Society”, through Hola town aimed at raising awareness about harmful practices affecting women and girls, particularly early marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM) and gender-based discrimination.
The walk was officially opened with a blessing by Fr. Titus Kyalo, Parish Priest of St. Francis of Assisi Hola Parish, who prayed for unity and commitment among community members in the fight against injustices affecting women and girls.
Before the walk began, Sr.Benardette Nzioka, DSH of the AOSK Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Coordinator addressed the participants, emphasizing the need for communities to stand together in safeguarding the dignity and rights of girls.
“Today we stand with the women and girls and amplify their voices,” she said.
She stressed that girls deserve opportunities to grow, learn and achieve their dreams without being hindered by harmful cultural practices.
“Every girl deserves to be educated and empowered to chase her dreams,” she said. “Early marriage robs girls of their innocence and denies them the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
Sr. Benardette also highlighted the serious physical and psychological effects of female genital mutilation, noting that such practices continue to cause unnecessary suffering to many girls.
“FGM causes pain and serious health complications that can even lead to death,” she warned.
She described the walk as a symbol of solidarity among the Church, community members, government leaders and other stakeholders working together to eliminate discrimination and violence against women and girls.
“Today’s walk is not just for show but a public declaration of our determination to fight all forms of mistreatment against women and girls,” she added.
Holy Mass and Message of “Give to Gain”
The walk was followed by a Holy Mass presided over by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Garissa, George Muthaka, OFMCap.
In his homily under the theme “Give to Gain,” the bishop encouraged Christians to dedicate their efforts toward building a just and equitable society where the dignity of every person is respected.
He reminded the faithful that genuine development in communities can only be achieved when people work together to protect the vulnerable and promote justice.
Drawing inspiration from the life of Francis of Assisi, the bishop urged the faithful to embrace the spirit of sacrifice and service.
“St. Francis came from a wealthy family, yet he chose to give himself fully to God and to serve others,” the bishop said.
He emphasized that true progress in society requires individuals to give their time, talents and resources for the well-being of others.
“When we give ourselves to serve others, we gain stronger, more peaceful and more just communities,” he said.
Commissioning of Teachers as Champions of Justice
A key highlight of the celebration was the commissioning of seven teachers who had completed training aimed at promoting justice for children and underprivileged women in schools and communities.
The teachers were commissioned to serve as advocates for human rights, peace-building and the protection of vulnerable members of society.
Speaking during the commissioning session, Sr. Luciana Wanyahoro, VDM (Director of Chemichemi ya Uzima College) addressed the gathering on behalf of Sr. Pasilisia Namikoye, Executive Secretary of the Association of Sisterhood of Kenya, who was absent.
“These teachers have been trained to carry forward the vision and mission of AOSK, to champion a just and peaceful society where the dignity of every human person is respected,” she said.
She expressed confidence that the newly commissioned teachers would use the knowledge and skills gained during the training to promote peace, justice and human rights within schools and communities.
“We are confident that they will work for humanity towards peace-building and the protection of human rights in schools and in communities,” she added.
Empowering Women and Girls for Community Development
In her official address, Sr. Luciana also emphasized the critical role that women play in the development of society. She noted that empowering girls and recognizing women’s contributions can bring transformative change to communities.
“When we empower one girl, we do not only change her life but also the future of the community,” she said.
She linked the call for women’s empowerment to the legacy of St. Clare of Assisi, who dedicated her life to faith, service and the upliftment of others.
Sr. Luciana further stressed that this year’s International Women’s Day theme highlights the importance of rights, justice and action in addressing the challenges facing women and girls.
“When we invest in women and girls, society gains. When we protect their dignity, humanity flourishes,” she said.
She called on communities to prioritize girls’ education, protect women from violence and create opportunities for women to participate in leadership and decision-making.
“Let us walk together, the government, the church and the community, to build a future where every human being lives with dignity, safety and hope,” she said. “Let us create a future where every girl can dream and achieve her dreams.”
Renewed Commitment
The celebration concluded with renewed commitment from religious leaders, community members and stakeholders to continue advocating for the protection, empowerment and equal participation of women and girls.
Through awareness, education and collaboration, participants expressed hope that the initiatives launched during the event would contribute to long-term change in the region and promote a more just and equitable society for all.
A great day. Congratulations for the great work done by tge AOSK team. May God bless your work
Kudos AOSK for amplifying the work of the sisters and witnessing Christ all over Kenya. Human right teachers and peacemakers continue championing on the dignity of the human person. Wonderful 👍
Keep up doing the great work you are doing. God is in it you are never alone. Happy International women’s day let’s keep giving to keep gaining.
The vulnerable now are the Youth, Women and Children. The economy is hitting hard, the political temperature hot and the social arena corrupt. There must be a solution to it and therefore we need activists to champion it. Good work.
To that simple soul working behind the curtain in all preparations for this day to be beautiful as it was, be blessed abundantly sister Juliana L.S.O.S.F and sister Lydia in preparing the human right teachers for the commissioning.
To that simple soul working behind the curtain in all preparations for this day to be beautiful as it was, be blessed abundantly sister Juliana L.S.O.S.F and sister Lydia in preparing the human right teachers for the commissioning.