International Girls’ Day: 6 incredible young Kenyan girls doing amazing things at a very young age (photos)
In 2012, October 11th was declared as the International Day of the Girl Child by the United Nations General Assembly.The day was set aside to “recognise girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world” due to their age and gender.
In commemoration of this day, we have a list of the girls who are making their mark in the world of sports, music, innovation and even fashion.
Check them out below:
1. Shezhana Anwar-Archer
(Image Game Yetu)
Trained by her mother, Shezhana Anwar became the first person to represent Kenya in the Olympics.
The teenager also had the honor of carrying Kenya’s flag at the Maracana Stadium in Rio during the opening ceremony of this year’s Olympic Games.
She was among the firsts competitors at the games but unfortunately she didn’t win any medals. But at least she got to represent the country and is even the reigning African women’s archery champion.
2. Talisa Lanoe
Image Max Jackson
She holds six national records in the backstroke swimming event and currently holds the national record in the women’s 100 meters backstroke race.
The Florida University student represented Kenya in this year’s Olympics and previously competed at the 2015 World Aquatics Championships in Kazan, Russia and the The 2014 FINA World Short Course Championships in Doha.
3. Rose Nasimiyu-Cancer Soldier
In 2011, Princess Rose Nasimiyu became a Kenyan hero for her relentless fight against cancer.
At only 9 years old, Nasimiyu was battling a rare and relatively aggressive type of cancer called Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
After the intervention of Kenyans and collection of funds, Nasimiyu moved to the UK with her family where she was treated and became cancer free in 2012.
Close to 5 years after leaving the country, she came back a beautiful smart teenager who has continued to inspire young children battling with cancer.
4. Angel-Anne Ngugi’s daughter
Kanze Dena and Lulu Hassan pose with Angel after they interviewed her
Angel has a rare condition called Congenital Hydrocephalus. Congenital hydrocephalus is a build-up of excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain at birth that can cause brain damage, mental and physical problems. People with this condition usually have a head that is bigger than normal.
Despite getting taunted by her peers and suffering from physical problems thanks to her condition, Angel is very confident and really inspirational through her self-acceptance.
A message she preaches through her new song ‘Nataka Jua’ which talks about her condition and the struggles of living with Congenital Hydrocephalus and also self-acceptance.
5. Salima Visram
Photo:Photo: Sam Gregory
Featured on Forbes Magazine and Business Daily’s Top 40 under 40, Salima is the brains behind the nifty innovation called ‘The Solar Backpack.’
This back pack absorbs the sun energy during the day and enables children who have no access to electricity to continue studying late into the evening.
6. Lil Miss Belle
Image:lilmissbelle.com
The fashion world is being conquered by a young lady who is barely out of her diapers. Her name is Lil Miss Belle and she is cuter than a button!
The four year old has close to 10,000 followers on Instagram thanks to her impeccable fashion sense.
