- A menstrual hygiene programme has reached more than 68 schools across Homa Bay County, helping girls remain in school.
- The initiative combines the distribution of sanitary towels with reproductive health education and mentorship.
- Organisers say the programme has contributed to lower teenage pregnancy rates in some schools.
For many girls in Homa Bay County, the lack of sanitary towels once meant missing classes every month and, for some, eventually dropping out of school.
That reality is gradually changing through a menstrual hygiene programme that combines the distribution of sanitary towels with reproductive health education and mentorship.
The initiative, spearheaded by nominated MCA Yvonne Becky, has so far reached more than 68 schools across the county.
“We initiated the programme in order to uplift vulnerable girls. The programme promotes menstrual hygiene awareness, reproductive health education and supports vulnerable girls with sanitary towels alongside mentorship sessions,” Becky said.
Speaking at St. Francis Nyangajo Girls School, Becky urged learners to remain focused on their studies and avoid distractions that could jeopardise their education.
She explained that the programme was introduced after it became evident that many girls were missing school because of menstrual-related challenges, poverty and stigma.
Besides distributing sanitary towels, the initiative equips girls with reproductive health information while encouraging them to remain in school and pursue their academic goals.
Mentorship and school re-entry
Becky said the programme has also supported girls who became pregnant to return to school in line with the Government’s school re-entry policy.
“Our mentorship efforts have seen some schools record zero pregnancies, showing that empowering girls with information can make a real difference,” she said.
Despite the programme’s success, Becky noted that inadequate funding remains one of its greatest challenges.
“The programme depends largely on friends and well-wishers who believe in empowering girls through education, but the need continues to grow,” she said.
She appealed to parents and members of the community to work together in supporting girls’ education.
“Many people say that when you educate a man, you educate one person, but when you educate a girl, you educate the whole community,” she said.
READ ALSO: Baringo Education Director orders schools to release laptops for JSS teachers
Becky expressed confidence that sustained support, mentorship and awareness campaigns would enable more girls to complete their education and make meaningful contributions to society.
By Kimutai Langat
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
