Girls in Mombasa County have been encouraged to enroll in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and pursue traditionally male-dominated courses, particularly those related to the blue economy, as part of efforts to empower the girl child and bridge the gender gap in technical careers.
Speaking during a career symposium held at Tononoka Social Hall in Mombasa, the County Director of Vocational Training, Nancy Gathigia, urged girls to challenge gender stereotypes by enrolling in courses that have traditionally been viewed as the preserve of men.
The symposium was organized by the Mombasa County Department of Education in partnership with Colleges and Institutes Canada and the Akili Dada Organization.
Gathigia emphasized that there are no gender-specific roles in TVET institutions, noting that women are equally capable of excelling in technical and vocational fields. She urged young women to pursue careers based on their interests and abilities rather than societal expectations.
“Our girls should not shy away from male-dominated courses and should understand that there are no specific roles for men or women in TVET institutions,” she said.
To support young mothers in continuing their education, Gathigia said the Mombasa County Department of Education has established childcare facilities at Mtongwe Technical Vocational College and Kisauni Technical Vocational College and added that plans are underway to establish similar facilities in more TVET institutions across the county.
She explained that such an initiative aims to ensure that motherhood does not become a barrier to education and skills development, enabling more young women to complete their training and improve their economic prospects.
“This childcare initiative is intended to ensure that motherhood does not hinder education and skills development, allowing more young women to complete their training and secure better economic opportunities,” she added.
Akili Dada’s Coast Regional Representative, Elvina Kahindi, called on young people, particularly girls, to take advantage of such forums to acquire skills in blue economy courses and enhance their participation in the expanding sector.
Elvina said the organization has partnered with Colleges and Institutes Canada through the Kenya Blue Economy Skills Training Program to create awareness and encourage girls in the region to pursue training in blue economy-related fields and visit TVET institutions in Mombasa to register for the available courses.
“Blue economy courses are not only for young men but for everyone. We want to see more girls enrolling in these programmes,” she said.
Meanwhile, Blue Economy Ambassador from Kwale County, Sharlet Mwanjima, encouraged girls to acquire practical TVET skills that are less likely to be replaced by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).
She observed that the changing job market demands practical and technical competencies are making skills training increasingly important for young people seeking employment.
Mwanjima noted that one of the biggest challenges at the grassroots is the lack of information about available training opportunities, particularly among girls who have performed well academically but remain unaware of the career options available to them.
“In our villages, many young people, especially girls with good grades, lack information about these opportunities. We need more forums like this to create awareness and guide them towards suitable career paths,” she said.
By Mary Mtawa
